At Starfish Family Services, we believe in the transformative power of early childhood education. That belief shines especially bright this week as we proudly join early learning programs across the country in celebrating Week of the Young Child® (WOYC)—a national initiative led by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
What is Week of the Young Child?
WOYC is an annual celebration recognizing early childhood educators, young children, and their families. It was established to raise awareness around the importance of early learning and the critical role that birth-to-age-8 experiences play in shaping a child’s future. These are the years when brains develop the fastest, when children form the foundations of language, literacy, problem-solving, and emotional resilience. This week isn’t just about fun activities, though there’s plenty of that! It’s about honoring the serious work our educators and families do and the time they spend with their kids—how singing, dancing, storytelling, creating, and connecting are the building blocks of lifelong learning.
How Starfish is Celebrating WOYC
Each day this week, our classrooms are buzzing with intentional, themed activities that highlight different ways children learn and grow. Here’s what’s happening across our centers:
Music Monday
Children learn best when they move, sing, and explore! On Monday, our classrooms came alive with rhythm and sound. Teachers incorporated cultural music and dance to honor each child’s individuality, celebrating music as a joyful path to connection and development.
Talent Tuesday
Tuesday gave children the spotlight to share their uniqueness. Whether it was a favorite toy, a family photo, or a special talent, our kids embraced the chance to showcase what makes them themselves. It was a beautiful way to celebrate self-expression and build community.
Wonderful Wednesday
Hands-on exploration took center stage midweek. Teachers planned rich sensory and art activities to help children explore the world around them—painting, sculpting, touching, and imagining. These kinds of activities are not only fun but also critical for cognitive and fine motor development.
Thankful Thursday
On Thursday, gratitude was the theme. Children and educators reflected on the many things they are thankful for—including each other. Classrooms worked together to complete “All About Me” projects, reinforcing identity, belonging, and appreciation for early childhood education. We’re also hosting Family Engagement Events, inviting loved ones to join us in the classroom, connect with teachers, and be part of the learning magic in action.
Family Friday
While kids are at home on Fridays, the spirit of WOYC continues. Families are encouraged to visit a park, make a favorite meal, or simply snuggle up and watch a movie together. After all, families are children’s first and most important teachers.
Why This Week Matters
Celebrations like WOYC remind us why our work at Starfish matters. It’s a call to action, and it reminds us of the responsibility we carry as educators, caregivers, and advocates. We know that the earlier we support children with safe, stimulating environments and loving relationships, the better their outcomes in school and life. WOYC aligns perfectly with our mission to equip families and children with the tools they need to thrive emotionally, educationally, and socially. It also reflects our commitment to partnering with families—because we know, when families are empowered and engaged, children soar.