Celebrating Early Learning During the Week of the Young Child
From April 5-11, Milwaukee lit up with joy, advocacy and community connection as part of the annual Week of the Young Child. Across the city, families, early educators and child care champions came together to celebrate the vital role of early learning – and to recommit to building a stronger future for every child.
Milwaukee Succeeds kicked things off on April 5 with two celebrations – one at Westlawn Gardens and another at 4C for Children – drawing nearly 100 attendees. Each event offered kid-friendly fun, early learning resources and a strong sense of community. Attendees enjoyed activity tables hosted by local partners, a reading of the city’s Week of the Young Child proclamation, and a tiny parade that brought smiles to children and adults alike.
The celebration wasn’t just about fun – it was also about action. This year’s Week of the Young Child served as a powerful platform to elevate the importance of early childhood education (ECE) and call for sustained investment. With the 2025-27 state budget cycle underway, it was a critical time to push for long-term funding solutions that support young children, their families and the entire ECE sector.
The Joint Committee on Finance budget listening session.
In fact, on April 4 – the day before the week officially began – Milwaukee Succeeds staff, ambassadors and partners showed up in force at the Joint Committee on Finance’s budget listening session at State Fair Park. Some testified, sharing moving stories and powerful data about the impact of early learning. Others stood in solidarity, sending a strong message: Milwaukee cares about child care.
On April 10, we gathered again – this time for a community celebration at ThriveOn King. The beautifully renovated space buzzed with activity, from arts and crafts to meaningful conversations among families and advocates. The event was a clear reminder of why we do this work: Every child deserves a strong start, and every family deserves the support to make that happen.
And these events were only the beginning! On April 16, nearly 100 Milwaukee advocates headed to the state capitol to meet with lawmakers and share their stories in hopes of keeping ECE at the forefront of the conversation.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out and celebrated with us during this year’s events. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more equitable future for Milwaukee’s youngest learners!
