The Week of the Young Child is an annual designation by the National Association for the Education of Young Children to celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers and families.

Beautiful Beginnings introduced students to healthy food on Taco Tuesday.

PHLpreK programs across Philadelphia are taking part in the celebration by hosting special projects and activities all week long. Here’s what a few PHLpreK programs have planned during this special week:

  • Beautiful Beginnings in Northeast Philadelphia has been celebrating Month of the Young Child with week-long themes such as “learning to love health and fitness” and “learning to celebrate each other.” This week, this center will focus on learning through play which will culminate on Friday with an annual parade. During the parade, children will dress up representing what they want to be when they grow up. After a reading of Oh, the Places You Will Go, they’ll parade down Bustleton Avenue and meet up with another PHLpreK program, Kinder Academy, for some playtime at the Rhawnhurst Playground.
  • Creative Learning Environments in the Northeast will have a special focus on teaching recycling and environmental sustainability. Last week the students built sculptures out of recycling materials so they can be displayed in the halls of the school on Work Together Wednesday.
  • Children’s Playhouse in South Philadelphia is kicking the week off on Music Monday with a celebration of the arts!  Students will explore musical instruments that represent different cultures like African drums and Cambodian congas before making their own instruments. On Work Together Wednesday, students will build bird nests and flower beds using recycled materials. On Family Friday, extended family is invited to the center to participate in story time and arts activities.
  • Growth, Learning and development Center (GLAd Center) in Southwest Philadelphia is celebrating the Week of the Young Child through music and dance from many different cultures. The students love to be active and learn new songs and dances. Both students and staff are excited!
  • Elwyn, a provider in Roxborough that specializes in delivering early intervention services, will close out the week-long celebration with a visit from Mayor Kenney who will tour the center and meet with students and families.

Follow #PHLpreK on Twitter and Instagram to see how our PHLpreK programs are celebrating early learning this Week of the Young Child!