Today, we know more than ever before about the importance of children’s earliest years in shaping their learning and development. Yet, never before have the needs of young children and their families been more pressing.
“The Week of the Young Child”® is an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the world’s largest early childhood education association, with nearly 60,000 members and a network of 52 Affiliates.
According to the NAEYC website, the purpose of “The Week of the Young Child”® is to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services which meet those needs.
NAEYC first established “The Week of the Young Child” in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
“The Week of the Young Child” is a time to plan how we, as citizens of a community, of a state, and of a nation, will better meet the needs of all young children and their families.
NAEYC designates “The Week of the Young Child” dates and theme but events are planned and implemented by local communities.
Celebrations are organized and coordinated by NAEYC Affiliates, and by individual early childhood programs and community organizations providing services to young children and families.
Margot Adams, Executive Director of The Children’s School at Saint John’s, 404 Levering Mill Road in Bala Cynwyd, describes her school’s focus, “The Children’s School at Saint John’s can certainly be viewed as providing vital and joyful support in enhancing young children’s lives.”
“Special activities are planned for this week not only to nurture the children, but also to acknowledge all the people who touch their lives from their parents (and extended families), to their teachers, and the community of which they are a part.”
Adams shares the activities planned by teachers and staff for the 2023 “The Week of the Young Child” during the first full week of April, “This year’s theme is “Celebrating our Youngest Learners.”
The following events will occur, and family members are invited to participate in any or all of them to celebrate the many facets of children’s learning:
Music Monday with live acoustic music and a concert; a family breakfast and afternoon water ice truck on Tuesday; activities for “Work Together Wednesday” including Grandparents;
“Artsy Thursday” with the children’s original artwork on exhibit and a program presented by Main Line Art Center; a special family activity on Thursday afternoon with a visit by Quiver Farm Petting Animals; and a Family Friday full of fun activities.
Local communities may tailor celebrations to meet their own needs.
For example, while NAEYC traditionally designates “The Week of the Young Child,”® some groups generate so much enthusiasm and support that they celebrate “The Month of the Young Child.”
Others have modified the dates of their celebration to coordinate with other community scheduled events.
However adapted, the central purpose remains unchanged – to promote the needs of young children, their families, and the early childhood programs which serve them.
As stated by the organizers, “The Week of the Young Child”® is a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities, and to recommit ourselves to ensuring that each and every child experiences the type of early environment, at home, at child care, at school, and in the community, which will promote their early learning.
For information contact: National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005 (202)232-8777 or (800)424-2460 | help@naeyc.org
