The Week of the Young Child® (WOYC), celebrated this year from April 5th to 11th, 2025, is a vibrant, annual event organized by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). This week-long national celebration shines a spotlight on the critical importance of early childhood education and the foundational role it plays in shaping our children’s futures.
Each day of WOYC is themed to emphasize different aspects of early learning:
- Music Monday: Encourages children to develop language and literacy skills through singing, dancing, and musical exploration.
- Tasty Tuesday: Focuses on healthy eating and fitness, highlighting the fun and educational aspects of cooking and nutrition.
- Work Together Wednesday: Promotes teamwork and social development as children collaborate on building and problem-solving projects.
- Artsy Thursday: Celebrates creativity and fine motor skills through engaging art activities.
- Family Friday: Recognizes the vital role families play in early education, encouraging shared stories and family engagement.
Getting involved in WOYC is both fun and impactful. Visit your state Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC) affiliate website to find out what activities are occurring in your state and local communities. For instance, educators, families, and communities organize events that align with the daily themes, such as musical performances, cooking sessions, collaborative building projects, art showcases, and family storytelling times.
Can’t participate in any of the planned activities?
Don’t fret – you probably already have everyday opportunities to do these activities with your own family. For instance, plan an activity with your own child, grandchild, niece, or nephew. Also, consider reaching out to a neighbor with young children and doing an activity together.
Additionally, posting these activities on your social media using the hashtag #WOYC25 helps spread awareness and connects with a broader community. By raising awareness of WOYC, we celebrate young children and the educators who nurture them while also advocating for a future where every family has access to the high-quality early learning resources they need to succeed.