Week of the Young Child

children running

 

During the National Week of the Young Child™ event, communities across the country celebrate their youngest learners. In local celebrations across OUR state, Idahoans raise awareness about the unique needs of young learners and celebrate everyone who makes a difference in their lives.

Throughout the Week of the Young Child, we are working to promote and inspire high-quality early childhood experiences for our state’s youngest citizens that can provide a foundation of learning and success. Therefore, Mayors across our state are issuing proclamations of Week of the Young Child! More information to come of this year's activities, resources, and celebrations!

Week Long Virtual Diaper Drive Benefiting the Idaho Diaper Bank

As part of the Week of the Young Child celebrations, Idaho AEYC will host a Diaper Drive benefiting the Idaho Diaper Bank. The diaper drive will run from April 5 to 12, collecting diapers to support Idaho families who are struggling to make ends meet.

Nearly half of Idaho’s babies live in families facing financial hardship. Diapers, a basic necessity for infants and toddlers, can cost upwards of $100 every month per child. Unfortunately, there are no local, state, or federal subsidies (such as WIC or SNAP) available for purchasing diapers. The lack of an adequate supply of diapers can have detrimental effects not only on a baby’s health but also on the mental health of parents who face the stress and financial burden of this critical need.

VIRTUAL DIAPER DRIVE HERE

"Supporting families and ensuring children have access to the resources they need is essential for their growth and well-being. This Diaper Drive offers a simple but impactful way for our community to support parents and ensure babies have the care they deserve.”

Dr. Robert Sanchez, Idaho AEYC Executive Director

 

In 2025, the following cities are proclaiming Week of the Young Child:

Idaho

Boise

Osburn

Driggs

Post Falls

Emmett

Preist River

Garden City

Rupert

Gooding

Shoshone

Kooskia

Smelterviller

Meridian

Kuna

Middleton

Couer d'Alene

Onaway

Buhl

 

In 2025, there are community events celebrating Week of the Young Child™ in the following communities:

Week of Young Child Early Years Resource Fair (Caldwell)

  • Date: Saturday, April 12
  • Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Location: 1200 Grant St, Caldwell

Week of Young Child Early Years Resource Fair (Twin Falls)

  • Date: Friday, April 11
  • Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
  • Location: 999 Frontier Rd, Twin Falls

Boise With Kids Preschool + Kindergarten Discovery Fair (Boise)

  • Date: Saturday, April 12
  • Time: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Location: 1406 W Eastman St, Boise

 

Music Monday

Children playing instruments
Music Monday is more than singing and dancing, it’s a way to encourage children to be active while developing their early literacy skills and having fun with friends and family! Idaho AEYC partnered with Music for Kiddos a high-quality children’s music resources for music therapists & music educators to provide FREE downloadable songs and activities for families in Idaho!

Tasty Tuesday

Children cooking with their mother
Tasty Tuesday isn’t just about eating your favorite snacks together. It’s also about cooking together and connecting math with literacy skills and science while introducing ways to incorporate healthy habits into children’s lifestyles. Idaho AEYC provides families with free resources and snack ideas, elevating their Tasty Tuesday to Michelin Star status!

Work Together Wednesday

Child and parent high five
When children work together (or with a trusted adult) to create something or solve a task, they experience teamwork, work on their problem-solving, and develop social and early literacy skills! Idaho AEYC presents exciting activities for families to embark on together, empowering them to reach new heights as a team!

Artsy Thursday

Children doing art
Children develop creativity, social skills, and fine muscles with open-ended art projects that let them make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands. Idaho AEYC offers free activities for families inviting everyone to unleash their inner artist!

Family Friday

Family outside looking at something in a tree
Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. Idaho AEYC applauds family members’ role as young children’s first and most important teachers. To celebrate, Idaho AEYC offers free outdoor scavenger hunts for families to do together!