Our children are our most precious resource. That's why the Town of Hempstead is proud to offer "Safe-Child" Workshops, a groundbreaking approach to child safety, involving parents and children in an interactive strategy program.

Hour-long workshops are conducted free of charge for two age groups, children 4 to 7 and children 8 and up. The program is intended as a starting point for the discussion of important safety topics by parents and their children. Internet safety including a segment on MySpace.com will be the primary topic with the older age group.

"Safe-Child" programs will be held Tuesday, May 23, at Levittown Hall in Hicksville and Thursday, May 25, at Echo Park in West Hempstead and will focus on the topics of anti-abduction, child abuse, street-smart safety and Internet precautions.

Each workshop covers potentially lifesaving information and participants will engage in a discussion of important and topical material. With summer approaching and family outings to beaches, pools and parks becoming daily activities, the importance of child safety is particularly relevant.

On May 23 at Levittown Hall and May 25 at Echo Park, children ages 7 and younger will meet from 5 to 6 p.m. and children ages 8 and up will meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Registration for all sessions will be conducted by telephone, beginning Wednesday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. To register, simply call the Department of Parks and Recreation at 292-9000, ext. 256. Registration will continue through noon on the day of each program.

Levittown Hall (933-6400) is located on Levittown Parkway in Hicksville and Echo Park (483-7400) is located on Nassau Boulevard in West Hempstead. For additional program information call the Town of Hempstead Parks Department at 292-9000, ext. 266, or visit www.toh.li.

I urge every family to take advantage of this vital program and encourage families registering for a Safe-Child session to mention the event to their friends and neighbors as well.