SALINAS, Calif. -- This week the Central Coast celebrates the Week of the Young Child, which features activities aimed at recognizing the responsibilities we share for the children in our communities.

A child safety and fingerprinting clinic in Salinas was among the week's events.

"This is the Week of the Young Child, and in celebration of that, the police department was very generous to do the fingerprinting for all of the children here," Salinas Mayor Anna Caballero said.

It is through local partnerships that such activities are made possible, and officials said great strides are being made locally to promote quality early learning experiences.

The city of Salinas, with funding from First 5 Monterey County, renovated a closed state building to create the Salinas Child Care Center.

At a forum Thursday, Central Coast leaders addressed the widespread benefits of early, quality care and education.

Recent studies indicate that later in life, those who participated in quality, early childhood programs had higher earnings, more property ownership and few criminal arrests.

More family events are planned through the weekend.

On Friday in Seaside, the Bayview Children's Center is sponsoring a "Teddy Bear Tea Party" from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1664 Hilby St.

"Celebrating Military Children" will be held Saturday at the Stilwell Community Center in Seaside. For information, call 242-7660.

Also Saturday, there will be fun activities for families at the Carmelo School Day of the Young Child. The school is located at 8469 Carmel Valley Road in Carmel. Call (831) 624-8047 ext. 12 for event information.

And on Sunday in King City, the Community Health Faire will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Salinas Valley Fairgrounds.