SR1017: SR1017 Week of the Young Child; recognize April 11-17, 2026

This resolution is a ceremonial statement from the Georgia Senate rather than a change to state law. It recognizes April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child, citing the importance of early brain development, high-quality early childhood programs, and the educators who support young children. The resolution commends educators, families, and organizations working to give young children access to early learning opportunities, and it encourages citizens, communities, and policymakers to support programs that benefit young children and their families. It directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies available to the public and press. It creates no new requirements, funding, or penalties.

• Formally designates April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child in Georgia.
• Commends early childhood educators, families, and organizations for supporting young children's learning and development.
• Encourages citizens, communities, and policymakers to support programs and services that benefit young children and families.
• Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make copies of the resolution available to the public and the press.

Early childhood educators, young children and their families, and early learning programs and organizations across Georgia are named in the resolution, along with citizens, communities, and policymakers who are encouraged to support early childhood education.

The resolution carries symbolic weight rather than legal effect. It does not create funding, programs, or requirements, but it publicly signals the Senate's recognition of early childhood education's importance, which can raise awareness for educators and families involved in that work.

• The first resolving clause recognizes April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child and commends educators, families, and organizations statewide.
• The second resolving clause encourages citizens, communities, and policymakers to support programs and services benefiting young children and their families.
• The final clause directs the Secretary of the Senate to distribute copies of the resolution to the public and press.

1. 2026-03-25Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
2. 2026-03-23Senate Hopper (Senate)

• Ed Harbison (D, SD-015)Primary sponsor
• Michael Rhett (D, SD-033)
• Elena Parent (D, SD-044)
• Nan Orrock (D, SD-036)
• Sally Harrell (D, SD-040)
• David Lucas (D, SD-026)
• Jaha Howard (D, SD-035)

• early childhood education
• Georgia Senate resolution
• child development
• education awareness