Each year, thread joins the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in celebrating the Week of the Young Child (WOYC). This annual event, recognized nationwide, honors the importance of young children, their families, and their dedicated early educators. In 2025, we’re celebrating the Week of the Young Child from April 5-11, with a daily theme that promotes fun, learning, and the growth of young minds.
Why the Week of the Young Child Matters
Established by NAEYC in 1971, WOYC focuses on raising awareness about the needs of young children and families and recognizing early childhood education programs that address those needs. The early years—from birth to age 8—are a crucial period that shape children’s future learning and development. This week serves as a reminder of the important role early childhood education plays in ensuring children’s long-term success.
Themed Days for WOYC 2025: Fun, Learning, and Action!
Kick-Off Saturday (April 5)
Start the week with a bang! Plan your activities, share your excitement, and engage with the community:
- Share your story: Post a video, blog, or social media post about why WOYC is important to you. What do you do to prepare for the celebration?
- Host a virtual event: Connect with others through a live online gathering or event.
- Proclamations & Celebrations: Share any local proclamations or official recognitions of WOYC.
- Reorganize and re-energize: Take time for self-care to prepare for the fun-filled week ahead.
Music Monday (April 7)
Music fuels young minds and bodies. It builds language skills, enhances early literacy, and promotes physical movement.
- Get creative: Write your own song or remix a familiar tune. Share it on social media with the hashtag #WOYC25.
- Example song: “Music Makes Us Strong” – A cheerful song celebrating how music boosts confidence and teamwork among children.
Sample verse idea: “Music makes us strong, together we belong, sing and dance all day long!”
Tasty Tuesday (April 8)
Cooking is a fantastic way to teach children math, science, and healthy eating habits—all while having fun in the kitchen.
- Rainbow Wrap Challenge: Create colorful wraps using a variety of fruits, veggies, and proteins that represent the colors of the rainbow.
- Math skills: Practice measurements and counting.
- Science exploration: Learn about the nutrients in colorful foods.
- Movement break: Do a quick “Rainbow Dance” to get kids moving!
Share your culinary creations on social media with #TastyTuesdayRainbowWrap.
Work Together Wednesday (April 9)
Collaboration sparks creativity and problem-solving. On Wednesday, encourage children to build together, fostering teamwork, early literacy, and STEM skills.
- Building Bridges Challenge: Have children work together to build a bridge using simple materials like popsicle sticks, blocks, or cardboard. The goal: build a bridge strong enough to support a small object!
- Social skills: Children will practice communication and sharing.
- STEM learning: Basic engineering concepts like balance, structure, and measurement come into play.
- Reflection: After testing their bridges, children can share what they learned from the process.
Artsy Thursday (April 10)
Art fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and emotional expression. Engage children in open-ended art activities that encourage exploration and imagination.
- Rainbow Handprint Art: Children can create handprint rainbows with colorful washable paints. This activity supports fine motor development, color recognition, and sensory exploration.
- Sensory play: Feel the textures of the paint and explore different colors.
- Creative expression: Children are encouraged to use their hands to make art and express themselves.
Family Friday (April 11)
This day is dedicated to celebrating and engaging with families in the learning process.
- Share family moments: Create a family picnic day in your child care program or at home to celebrate.
- Celebrate family roles: Recognize the invaluable contributions families make in supporting early childhood education.
Get Involved & Spread the Word
As we celebrate the Week of the Young Child, let’s unite to advocate for the needs of young children and the importance of early education. We encourage you to participate by sharing your photos, stories, and ideas on social media using #WOYC25. Visit the NAEYC’s WOYC Activity Resources page for even more ways to get involved in this special week! Sign up for thread’s action alerts and stay up to date with our advocacy this legislative session.
Let’s make this year’s Week of the Young Child a celebration of joy, learning, and the power of community. We look forward to seeing how you engage with the themes of the week and inspire others to take action in support of early childhood education. We can’t wait to see how you celebrate and contribute to this important week!