HOLLYWOOD — The Week of the Young Child has endured since 1971 to emphasize the importance early childhood programs have on children’s lives.

To celebrate the education process, the Hollywood Preschool invited parents to a day of fun activities in the gym April 19.

The festivities began when the children rode on a kiddie train through the parking lot from the school to the gym. About 90 preschoolers enthusiastically played on bounce houses, enjoyed the antics of Oopsie the Clown and shared a special lunch with their families.

“We wanted to highlight the partnership between families and the school to educate young children,” said Ilene Miller, Hollywood Preschool program manager.

The goal of the Week of the Young Child, an annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs that meet those needs.