❤️Celebrating the Week of the Young Child at the Early Learning Center of St. Mark Presbyterian Church
At the Early Learning Center of St. Mark , we believe that every child deserves a joyful, nurturing start to life. That's why we are so excited to join early childhood programs across the country this week in celebrating the Week of the Young Child® (WOYC) a special national event held each April and sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
This year is especially significant: NAEYC marks its 100th anniversary, and the Week of the Young Child celebrates its 55th year of shining a light on the children, families, and educators at the heart of early learning.
What is the Week of the Young Child?
First established in 1971, the Week of the Young Child is a nationwide celebration that focuses public attention on the importance of early childhood education from birth through age 8. It's a time to recognize the programs, educators, and families who work every day to give young children the foundation they need to thrive.
NAEYC is the world's largest early childhood education association, with tens of thousands of members and affiliates in all 50 states. Through WOYC, they invite communities everywhere, including ours right here in the Texas Hill Country, to come together in celebration and advocacy.
"Children's opportunities are our responsibilities." — NAEYC
Why it matters for your child
The early years, from birth to age 8, are among the most important in a person's entire life. Research consistently shows that the experiences children have during this window shape their brain development, emotional health, love of learning, and long-term success. The Week of the Young Child is a national reminder of this profound truth.
- Brain Development
Young brains form more than 1 million new neural connections every second. Quality early learning experiences shape that architecture for life.
- Social-Emotional Growth
Play-based learning builds empathy, self-regulation, and the ability to collaborate. These are skills that matter from kindergarten to career.
- Language & Literacy
Songs, stories, and conversation in the earliest years lay the groundwork for reading readiness and lifelong communication skills.
- School Readiness
Children in high-quality early learning programs enter kindergarten more prepared, more confident, and more curious.
"The early years, from birth to age 8, are among the most important in a person's entire life."
What it means for families
WOYC is also a heartfelt thank-you to families. NAEYC reminds us that parents and caregivers are children's first and most important teachers and Family Friday exists precisely to celebrate that truth. When families and educators partner together, children flourish. This week is an invitation to get involved, ask questions, visit your child's classroom, and see the incredible learning happening every day at St. Mark.
What it means for our educators
Our teachers and staff dedicate themselves to this work daily. The Week of the Young Child honors the early childhood profession, recognizing the dedication, creativity, and care that make a difference in children’s and families’ lives. We’re proud of every St. Mark team member.
What it means for our community
Quality early childhood education isn't just good for individual children, it strengthens entire communities. Investing in our youngest learners reduces long-term inequities, supports working families, and builds a foundation for a healthier, more vibrant society. WOYC calls on neighbors, communities, local leaders, and businesses to take notice and take action.
We invite you to celebrate with us this week.
Whether it's dancing along to Music Monday at home, sharing a meal on Tasty Tuesday, or, if you're an ELC parent, joining us for Family Friday festivities. Every act of celebration is an investment in your child's future and in the future of our whole community.
To learn more about the Week of the Young Child and find resources for celebrating at home, visit naeyc.org/events/woyc.