But this week feels especially meaningful.
KenCrest is proud to celebrate the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), an annual national celebration that highlights the importance of early childhood education and the communities that support young learners. As part of the Week of the Young Child, KenCrest is welcoming state and local leaders to several of its Early Learning Centers for special visits, classroom tours, and shared reading experiences with students. These visits highlight the importance of early childhood education and give community leaders the opportunity to see firsthand how high‑quality early learning environments support children and families.
Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the Week of the Young Child is held each year to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families. First established in 1971, WOYC recognizes that the early childhood years—from birth through age eight—lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and success. Today, NAEYC remains the world’s largest early childhood education association, representing tens of thousands of early childhood professionals through a nationwide network of affiliates.
This year’s Week of the Young Child runs from April 11-17, with daily themes highlighting the many ways children learn best. From Music Monday and Tasty Tuesday to Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday, the week emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and connection. At KenCrest, these themes come to life through hands-on activities, joyful learning experiences, and special visits that reinforce the importance of investing in early education.
As part of the National Week of the Young Child Advocacy efforts, legislative visits are being held at all seven KenCrest Early Learning Centers, with outreach focused on both the Philadelphia federal delegation and Pennsylvania state representatives. These visits offer an opportunity for policymakers to see the impact of early learning programs up close, and to engage with the children, families, and educators who make this work possible.
At the heart of KenCrest’s Early Learning Centers is a commitment to supporting the whole child and the whole family. The Centers are deeply family-oriented, offering person-centered approaches that help children thrive while empowering caregivers along the way. Families can access adult education opportunities, such as English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, as well as supportive resources that help caregivers become more trauma-informed and better understand children’s emotions, behaviors, and needs.
KenCrest’s ELCs also work to bridge the gap between home and school through initiatives like the Raising a Reader program, which encourages families to build reading routines at home and helps young learners develop a love of books beyond the classroom.
“We are trying to be holistic, not just a place kids come,” says Melanie Brennan, Executive Director of Early Learning Programs. “We want families to feel supported, connected, and confident as their children grow and learn.”
As KenCrest continues to celebrate the Week of the Young Child, the focus remains on what matters most: creating strong foundations for young learners, uplifting families, and honoring the educators who make early learning meaningful every day. Together, with community partners, policymakers, and families, we are building environments where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.
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