Celebrate Week of the Young Child 2026

Mar 17

Milwaukee is once again gearing up for the annual Week of the Young Child (April 11-17), a national celebration of early childhood education (ECE) and the people who make it possible.

For the fourth year in a row, we’re kicking off the week with a lively community event – this time at ThriveOn King on April 11 (10 a.m.-noon). Families, educators and ECE champions are invited to stop by for an exciting morning of hands-on activities, music and resources, all in celebration of the critical role early learning plays in our children’s lives.

The kickoff promises something for everyone. A kiddie-sized parade around the block will get the crowd moving, setting a lively tone for the morning while celebrating the importance of ECE. Little ones and their caregivers can dig into hands-on fun like seed planting, Play-Doh, art projects and a simple science experiment. Meanwhile, lotería and cumbia lessons will keep the energy high, inviting everyone to try their luck or test their moves on the dance floor.

Meanwhile, adults and kids alike can explore the wellness and regulation activities developed by our ECE Coalition’s Mental Health Workgroup, including musical chairs, lotion making and sensory regulation tools. In addition, nearly 30 vendors and resource tables will showcase everything from health and special needs organizations to ECE supports, child development, literacy and food access programs – connecting families to vital resources across the city. (See the full list below!)

Families can also take part in a Family Activity Passport, visiting all of the activity tables for a chance to win exciting prizes. Make-and-take crafts aligned with the week’s daily themes – like rain sticks for Music Monday or a cooking guide for Tasty Tuesday – will allow children and their caregivers to continue the fun at home. Every activity will be offered in both English and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for Milwaukee’s diverse families.

In addition to the hands-on fun, the event will include a short program highlighting Milwaukee Succeeds’ PhotoVoice work, a reading of the official City of Milwaukee Week of the Young Child proclamation by our Executive Director Vincent Lyles, and a live read-aloud from local author and child care provider Kelly Melton. Daria Hall from the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families will also be on-hand to provide updates and information on the new Get Kids Ready program.

Community Gathering: Exploring the ECE Ecosystem

Beyond the kickoff, Milwaukee Succeeds is hosting two community gatherings that will explore the city’s early childhood ecosystem. The first is a virtual session on April 1 from 6-7 p.m., followed by an in-person session on April 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Thrive on King. These gatherings will bring together educators, employers, community leaders and decision-makers to share insights, tackle challenges and identify solutions to strengthen the ECE sector. Small-group discussions led by our ECE Ambassadors (in English and Spanish) will allow participants to dig deeper into the issues and plan actionable next steps.

Panelists include experts like Mary Madigan, early literacy specialist at Milwaukee Public Library; David Muhammad, deputy director of Milwaukee County Health and Human Services; Jeremy Walton, early childhood workforce connector at Midwest Urban Strategies; and Rilla Williams, owner of Pristine Child Care LLC. The April 1 session will be moderated by Ashley Harrell, director of people at Cities United, and the April 15 in-person session by Vincent Lyles. Free continuing education hours will be available for early educators. RSVP here to save your spot!

From a lively parade and hands-on activities to meaningful discussions on workforce and policy, this weeklong celebration will showcase how ECE strengthens children, families and our city as a whole. Whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate or community leader, there’s a way to celebrate, take action and make a difference this Week of the Young Child. We look forward to seeing you there!