This week marks the 50^th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC)! Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the WOYC is held annually in early to mid-April.

The NAEYC site explains that “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 WOYC 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 WOYC 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.”

This year’s themes are Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday. For more information, to check out some activity resources, and to see how your family can celebrate, visit the official WOYC site here.