The Children’s Center celebrated National Week of the Young Child today with a field day of arts and crafts for children ranging from the ages of six months to 8 years old.

Children took part in activities such as painting, bubbles, making mud pies and playing on the jungle gym.

The bright colors of the playground equipment could be seen by any student walking in the quad, and laughter was heard throughout the grassy area next to Saigon Bay Cafe.

The outdoor activities took place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and about 80 children participated.

“We are letting students know that we are here and we are part of the CSUS student community,” said Alma Ponce, a teacher at the Children’s Center.

The field day has been an annual event for more than 20 years at Sac State. Week of the Young Child is an event to celebrate the vivaciousness and happiness children bring to the world, Ponce said.

Associate Director of the Children’s Center Sherry Vette said this event happens every year and takes a lot of volunteers.

“It takes a huge collaboration. There are faculty, students, campus police, fraternities, sororities and teachers who all help this happen,” Vette said. “It is really exciting working with children every day.”

The Children’s Center consists of volunteers and students from all majors and is particularly helpful for those who are seeking to get into the teaching world, said senior humanities major Allison Higgins.

“I am getting good experience because I want to be a teacher. Children are much easier to get along with. They are funny and cute and are always willing to listen,” Vette said.

If students who have children need some care for their child while they are in class, the Children’s Center cares for about 200 children every day and love helping the campus community, Vette said.

For more information on the Children’s Center, students can visit www.asi.csus.edu.

Vanessa Johnson can be reached at [email protected].