This April, WJCS Early Childhood Programs proudly celebrated the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)’s 2026 Week of the Young Child and El Día de los Niños with a series of joyful, family-centered events across Westchester County. These celebrations highlighted the importance of play, creativity, and community while bringing together children, parents, caregivers, and community partners in warm and welcoming spaces.
In Mount Vernon, families gathered at the local library for a festive evening filled with connection and fun. Children shared pizza, participated in a lively story time, and enjoyed creating a hands-on craft. The event offered families a chance to socialize, play, and spend meaningful time with one another. It was especially heartwarming to see dads, siblings, and extended family members actively participating. The evening concluded with snacks and three special take-home gifts for each child—a book, playdough, and a puzzle—ensuring the celebration extended beyond the library walls.
The Yonkers celebration at the Riverfront Library welcomed 36 families and 43 children, including families currently enrolled in the program, prospective families, and members of the broader community with older children. Families enjoyed music and movement with Ms. Marilyn, story time, free play, and engaging activities such as crowns and playdough. Children also received free books, while families enjoyed snacks and blondies generously provided by WJCS’s Greyston Bakery. The event was filled with laughter, music, stories, and meaningful moments that families will remember.
In Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow, the Week of the Young Child and El Día de los Niños was celebrated at Warner Library. Eight families attended, including participating families, waitlist families, and walk-ins. The Warner Library’s bilingual children’s librarian led an engaging story time, followed by movement songs that kept children and caregivers actively involved. Families then decorated paper crowns to continue the celebration, and each child received a book and playdough to take home.
In New Rochelle, families participating in the Home Visiting Program joined families from the Parent Child Center for a shared celebration that strengthened connections across program components. A total of 48 families and 51 children participated in this well-attended and energetic event. The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) played a vital role in planning and preparation, including creating piñatas from scratch—an activity that has become a meaningful tradition reflecting the creativity and cultural richness of participating families. Children delighted in hands-on activities such as decorating crowns, which they proudly wore throughout the event, fostering self-expression and a sense of belonging. A potluck-style gathering, organized collaboratively by staff and the PAC, contributed to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. The morning was further energized by live music from Concerts in Motion, which encouraged movement, joy, and active participation from both children and caregivers. This annual celebration reinforced the value of play, creativity, and shared experiences in early childhood development.
The Week of the Young Child was also celebrated at all five child care providers participating in the Family Child Care Provider Program. Each site hosted special activities including story time, music and movement, and arts and crafts. Every child received a book and a toy, and providers expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to celebrate the children in their care. As one provider Daisy shared, families were delighted, noting that “the children are like mini architects doing different structures.”
Across all locations, WJCS Early Childhood Programs Week of the Young Child celebrations successfully honored young children, strengthened family relationships, and reinforced the importance of community, creativity, and joyful learning during the early years.
Click here to learn more about WJCS Early Childhood programming.
