City of Long Beach to Host Seventh Annual Celebration of the Young Child
The Californer/10343887

Long Beach, CA ~ Long Beach, CA - The City of Long Beach is gearing up to host its seventh annual Celebration of the Young Child on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This highly anticipated event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Downtown Long Beach and is expected to draw families with children up to the age of 8.

According to Mayor Rex Richardson, the Celebration of the Young Child aims to provide children with a strong start in life by connecting families with valuable resources, learning opportunities, and community support. "Every child deserves a strong start, and the Celebration of the Young Child connects families to the resources, learning opportunities and community support that help our youngest residents thrive," said Mayor Richardson.

The event will be held at two locations - Billie Jean King Main Library (200 W. Broadway) and Lincoln Park, which is adjacent to the library. Free parking will be available at the Civic Center parking garage located at the corner of Broadway and Chestnut Avenue.

This year's programming promises to be both entertaining and educational for young children. Attendees can look forward to a variety of performances, including Brillantina's Storytelling - a bilingual storyteller who uses fingerplays, action songs, and props throughout her narrations. Also featured is Josue Cuentacuentos - a Latino musical storyteller who shares family stories, legends, and cultural traditions. The Mera Dance Troupe will also showcase three traditional Cambodian dances that celebrate cultural heritage and empower the next generation through education.

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In addition to these performances, there will be plenty of hands-on activities for toddlers and preschool-age children such as music and movement sessions, read-aloud story times, sensory exploration areas, and other educational activities.

The Celebration also aims to provide early intervention resources for families with children who may benefit from them. These services include developmental screenings using the Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and speech and language screenings using the Preschool Language Scale (PLS-5). Both screenings will be provided free of charge by For the Child and Cal State Long Beach's Speech and Language Clinic, respectively. Attendees can also take advantage of pediatric eye health screenings provided by the University of California, Los Angeles Mobile Eye Clinic, which includes vision education, resources, and reading glasses if needed. However, space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.

The Celebration is a collaborative effort between the Department of Health and Human Services' Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program, the Long Beach Public Library, and the Mayor's Fund for Education. "This celebration brings our downtown to life by providing a joyful space where our youngest neighbors can learn, play and connect with the vibrant cultural traditions of Long Beach," said First District Councilmember Mary Zendejas.

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Outside on the library terrace, information booths from local and regional organizations will be set up to provide families with valuable resources for healthy child development. These organizations cater to children up to age 8 and will offer educational handouts promoting healthy child development as well as resources for parents.

The Celebration of the Young Child is an event not to be missed for families with young children in Long Beach. It promises to be a fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities for learning, playing, and connecting with the community. To learn more about the Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives program or this event, visit longbeach.gov/earlychildhood.

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