Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care celebrates the Week of the Young Child

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) -- The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care joins partners across the country in celebrating the Week of the Young Child. The annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children helps to build awareness about the needs of young children and their families.

The week also helps focus attention on the early learning professionals and programs meeting those needs. In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating the Week of the Young Child as April 6-12, 2024. 

 “We are grateful to Governor Tina Kotek for recognizing the Week of the Young Child and for elevating the importance of the earliest years for children and families,” said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “As we build a coordinated early childhood system where all children, families, early care and education professionals are supported and empowered to thrive we are proud to recognize this week to celebrate young children and the transformational impact of early learning and care.” 

 Each day during the celebratory week, there will be multiple themes highlighting early learning, young children, their families, and early learning professionals. DELC is currently spotlighting these daily themes and information over social media. To share pictures and stories about your family, use the hashtag #WOYC24 and tag DELC’s social media pages. 

For more information on Week of the Young Child®, visit naeyc. Learn more about the importance of early childhood education in Oregon: Oregon.gov/DELC.