April is the Month of the Young Child

April has been designated as the Month of the Young Child. Trying Together has planned a month full of events and opportunities to tout the importance of early child care and celebrate organizations that provide vital services.

History

The Week of the Young Child was first established in 1971 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Its aim was to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and recognize early childhood programs and services that are centered around those needs.

Over time, increased interest led Trying Together to designate the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC). We celebrate MOYC to elevate the important work of families and early care and education professionals, who strive to meet the needs of the young children in their care. 

MOYC-in-a-Box

Early learning programs can request a mailed box of materials related to the month. Materials include posters to display at program locations or to give to businesses to promote the importance of child care in the community; buttons for staff and families to wear in April; and printed materials and resources from Trying Together and Early Learning Resource Center (ELRC) Region 5.

To request the MOYC box of materials, fill out this form. Materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. The last day to request materials is Friday, April 12. 

Events

There are a number of great events to celebrate the Month of the Young Child. These include:

2024 Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner - Trying Together will join early care and education colleagues from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at Acrisure Stadium for dinner, a photo booth, and prizes. There is currently a wait-list for this event.

Homewood Early Learning Block Party - This free event will feature craft activities as well as face painting, dancing, and other activities. There will be resources from organizations in Homewood and the Pittsburgh region for caregivers and families. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at the Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center.

Affirming Black Joy: Race, Identity, and Early Childhood - The Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education (P.R.I.D.E.) program’s spring speaker series event will feature Trying Together’s Cara Ciminillo as a guest speaker. This virtual event will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10. Registration for this event is now open.

Education Affiliate Dinner and Lecture - Beginning at 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 18, this event at Saint Vincent College will feature a dinner and lecture with Todd Whitaker, a leading authority on staff motivation, teacher leadership, and principal effectiveness. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. at the college’s Event and Conference Center and the lecture will follow at 7 p.m. at the Carey Performing Arts Center. More details are available on the college’s Education Department website.

NAEYC Week of the Young Child - The NAEYC will celebrate daily themes as part of its Week of the Young Child from April 6 to 12. Visit the NAEYC’s website for more information on the daily themes and activity resources.