The Week of the Young Child™ 

NAEYC Week of the Young Child™ (WOYC) is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and recognized by AzAEYC, First Things First, and Southern Arizona AEYC across Arizona. WOYC celebrates early learning, young children, their teachers, and families.

This week-long celebration was established in 1971 by NAEYC to recognize the importance of early care and education. In 2021, WOYC reached its 50th anniversary! As part of WOYC, AzAEYC, First Things First, and SAZAEYC focus on elevating early childhood as a public good, advancing equity, and highlighting the impact of quality early childhood on creating vibrant communities.

The Week of the Young Child™ is a celebratory effort 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. This celebration aligns with our mission: To promote high-quality early learning for all children, birth through age 8, by connecting practice, policy, and research.

Scholarly and academic research continue to show the value of high-quality early development opportunities for young children, their families, and society.

 Proclamations

City of Apache Junction Proclamation from Mayor Walter “Chip” Wilson

City of Benson Proclamation from Mayor Joe A. Konrad

City of Chandler Proclamation from Mayor Kevin Hartke

City of Douglas Proclamation from Mayor Jose Grijalva

City of Eloy Proclamation from Mayor Andrew Sutton

City of Flagstaff Proclamation for Mayor Becky Daggett

City of Globe Proclamation from Mayor Al Gameros

City of Goodyear Proclamation from Mayor Joe Pizzillo

City of Maricopa Proclamation from Mayor Nancy Smith

City of Safford Proclamation from Mayor Richard Ortega

City of Scottsdale Proclamation from Mayor Lisa Borowsky

City of South Tucson Proclamation from Mayor Roxanna Valenzuel

City of Tempe Proclamation from Mayor Corey Woods

City of Tombstone Proclamation from Mayor Dustin Escapule

City of Tucson Proclamation from Mayor Regina Romero

Coconino County Proclamation from the Board of Supervisors

County of Greenlee Proclamation for the Board of Supervisors

Eastern Arizona College Proclamation from President Todd Haynie

Graham County Proclamation from Board of Supervisors Chairman Clay Mack

Northern Arizona University – College of Education Proclamation from Dean Ramona Mellott, PhD

Pima County Proclamation from the Board of Supervisors Chair Rex Scott

Pinal County Proclamation from the Board of Supervisors

San Carlos Apache Tribe Proclamation

State of Arizona Proclamation from Governor Katie Hobbs 

Town of Duncan Proclamation from Mayor Titus Alexander Blake

Town of Florence Proclamation from Mayor Keith Eaton

Town of Huachuca City Proclamation from Mayor Johann R. Wallace

Town of Queen Creek Proclamation from Mayor Julia Wheatley

Town of Thatcher Proclamation from Mayor Jenny Howard

Town of Sahuarita Proclamation from Mayor Tom Murphy

Yavapai County Proclamation from the Board of Supervisors Chair Mary Mallory

Who organizes WOYC?

NAEYC designates the Week of the Young Child™ dates and theme, but events are planned and implemented by local communities right here in Arizona. Celebrations are organized and coordinated by regional, state, and local NAEYC Affiliates and our chapters and by individual early childhood programs and community organizations providing services to young children and families.

NAEYC designates the Week of the Young Child™ dates and theme, but events are planned and implemented by local communities right here in Arizona. Celebrations are organized and coordinated by regional, state, and local NAEYC Affiliates and our chapters and by individual early childhood programs and community organizations providing services to young children and families.

How to celebrate WOYC?

Communities around Arizona have tailored celebrations to meet the needs in their own areas. WOYC is often celebrated in libraries, community centers and other places where young children grow and thrive. In addition to the ideas below, many other creative ways to celebrate can be found on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook and among early childhood teachers and parents.

Celebrating can be as simple as displaying artwork by young children, setting up a special display of books, cooking a community snack. Some communities have organized town parades or festivals. They might assemble booths representing all of the early childhood agencies and other services. Others have involved their local officials and organized ceremonies with public proclamations or arranged press conferences. It’s really up to you!

Check out this Q&A from AzAEYC and SAZAEYC for ideas on how you can get involved in celebrating Week of the Young Child!

Read the Q&A for WOYC Ideas

WOYC Advocacy Opportunities

NAEYC WOYC Activity Resources

Why celebrate WOYC?

As we celebrate the Week of the Young Child™, we are advancing a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate and work on behalf of young children. It’s a time to recognize that children’s opportunities are our responsibilities! Every year, we seek to recommit to making sure each and every child in Arizona experiences the type of early environment—at home, at child care, at school, and in the community—that will promote their early learning. Join us in celebrating!