Week of the Young Child

What is Week of the Young Child?

Early Childhood, children, families, and the community are the focus of an exciting week in April every year. This week is called Week of the Young Child®. As stated by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, or NAEYC, “The Week of the Young Child® recognizes opportunities for young children as our responsibilities, and ensuring that we recommit annually to bring experiences into their lives, no matter what type of early environment will promote their early learning.

How does the YWCA Northwestern Illinois take part?

During this week, Early Childhood programs take part in celebrating by having events, games and special themed days. The YWCA Northwestern Illinois, a Child Care Resource and Referral Agency, is proud to take part in this fun and exciting week, showing their support and encouragement. One of the most recognizable things the YWCA Northwestern Illinois does is visit Child Care Centers and Family Home Daycares to promote local events and present activities for the children to participate in.

NAEYC continues by stating, “Without these providers and programs to meet the needs of young children and families, our community would look a lot different.” Early Childhood services are vital in helping young children learn, grow and thrive in this world. Without the child care providers and other specialists in the field, these programs simply would not exist. They, along with the children and families deserve to be celebrated, and that’s exactly why this week and the work of Early Childhood professionals is so important.

Wondering how to get involved?

The National Association for the Education of Young Children invites the community to participate in the celebration through a variety of themed, child-focused activities:

• Kick-off Saturday (April 5): Community launch event at Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas St., Freeport, 10am -12pm featuring many family-friendly activities for the children to make and enjoy. Free Entry!
• Music Monday (April 7): Sing songs with your children, these activities highlighting how music promotes language development and early literacy skills
• Tasty Tuesday (April 8): Focus on healthy nutrition and cooking activities that connect math, literacy, and science. Read labeling on your child’s favorite cereal, snack, or other food.
• Work Together Wednesday (April 9): Building projects that develop problem-solving, math, and social skills. Play with your child, as you play ask questions about their play. Your interest, questions, and comments as you play alongside will help your child use toys productively.
• Artsy Thursday (April 10): Creative art experiences that foster critical thinking and fine motor development. Whether using scissors, glue, clay, or crayons and markers make a masterpiece that will last in your memories forever.
• Family Friday (April 11): Celebration of families as children’s first and most important teachers.
• Family Fun Fair (April 12): Local celebration at Harlem High School, 1 Huskie Circle, Machesney Park, 9am -12pm, featuring many local agencies and activities for the whole family. Free Entry!

For ideas of child-friendly activities to celebrate each day of Week of the Young Child®, visit NAEYC at their website naeyc.org.

“Quality early childhood education is a crucial investment in our community’s future.”

By – Annemarie Toldo and Stephanie Siemens