Week of the Young Child®
What is Week of the Young Child®?
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 51 Affiliates.
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 that 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.
Why focus on young children and early childhood programs?
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 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—that will promote their early learning.
Source: National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Week of the Young Child® Events in Sun Prairie
The Sun Prairie Area School District, Sun Prairie Early Learning, and Sun Prairie Community Schools have teamed up to create a week of fun events for families. All of the events below are free. See you there!
Kick-Off Party: Saturday, April 5
9:00–11:00 AM | Explore Children’s Museum
Come play, explore, and enjoy a special story with the SP West High School Drama Club students!
Music Monday: Monday, April 7
5:30–7:00 PM | Royal Oaks Elementary School
Come dressed as your favorite character! Listen to the SP East Orchestra and join a Disney sing-along with The Piano Girl!
Inspiration for the Celebration
When children sing, dance, and listen to music, they develop their language and early literacy skills while being active and encouraging movement.
Source: NAEYC
Tasty Tuesday: Tuesday, April 8
5:30–7:00 PM | Meadow View Elementary School
SP East and SP West High School students will treat us to foods from around the world! Also, you can be a chef and create your own snack mix!
Inspiration for the Celebration
This fun, food-themed day is about more than just cheese and crackers. Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more. With the rise in childhood obesity, it also encourages healthy nutrition and fitness habits at home and in the classroom.
Source: NAEYC
Work Together Wednesday: Wednesday, April 9
5:30–7:00 PM | Meadow View Elementary School
Join KidStrong and The Little Gym as we work together to get stronger!
Inspiration for the Celebration
When children build together they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills.
Source: NAEYC
Artsy Thursday: Thursday, April 10
5:30–7:00 PM | Northside Elementary School
SP4K teachers invite you to come make some art!
Inspiration for the Celebration
Think, problem solve, create! Children develop creativity, social skills and fine motor skills with open-ended art projects where they can make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands.
Source: NAEYC
Family Friday: Friday, April 11
5:30–7:00 PM | Sun Prairie YMCA
Play and give back with activities to support military families, seniors, the humane society, and first responders. Remember to bring new, in the package underwear and socks for C.A.R.D.S. Closet!
Inspiration for the Celebration
Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. Family members play a crucial role as young children’s first and most important teachers.
Source: NAEYC
Printable Week of the Young Child® Flyers
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