Celebrate Week of the Young Child 2024

Families, providers, children and community members parade around Pete’s Market during the 2023 Week of the Young Child kick-off celebration at Pete’s Market.

In honor of Week of the Young Child (April 6-12), organizations and child care providers across Milwaukee will be coming together in a citywide celebration of early childhood education (ECE). This annual event, established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, aims to highlight the critical importance of a child’s first years and the significant role early educators play in their development.

As part of the festivities, the Milwaukee Succeeds-led MKE ECE Coalition and its partners have planned a rich collection of events across the city, with resources and activities for the whole family. The week will commence with a kiddie-sized parade and kick-off celebration at Pete’s Market on April 8, featuring resources, giveaways and a special appearance by the Betty Brinn Wonder Van.

In addition to these engaging community events, ECE providers throughout Milwaukee will be marking the week with their own celebrations. TenderCare Christian Child Care, COA Youth & Family Centers, Malaika Early Learning Center, the United Community Center and others will be engaging their children with themed activities and lessons, showcasing the importance of fun and play within early learning.

Kick-Off Celebration at Pete’s Market
Monday, April 8, 10 a.m.-Noon
For the second year in a row, parents, families, educators and ECE advocates will gather in the parking lot of Pete’s Market for a kick-off celebration and a colorful parade around the block. In addition to an appearance by the Betty Brinn Wonder Van and a proclamation read by Milwaukee Succeeds’ executive director, Vincent Lyles, the event will feature a variety of booths from local organizations, community resources, giveaways and more.
Contact: Ashley Harrell (aharrell@malaikaelc.org) or Yimma Davila-Castro (ydavila-castro@milwaukeesucceeds.org)

Resource Fair at 4C for Children
(for regulated child care providers)
Wednesday, April 10, 9 a.m.-Noon
Child care providers are invited for a sneak peek at 4C’s Provider Resource Room! Make a craft to share with your children in your child care.
Contact: Lorraine Chavez, 414-562-2650

TenderCare Community Event
Wednesday, April 10, from 10 a.m.-Noon
Join us at TenderCare in a celebration of Week of the Young Child. This event is open to the public providers, parents and the broader community. There will be a host of resources, games and treats! Registration required.
Contact: Bianca Hill (bhill@tendercarechristian.org)

WECA Advocacy 101 at TenderCare
Wednesday, April 10, from Noon -1:30 p.m.
Stop by TenderCare Christian Child Care Center for meaningful discussions with a panel of ECE leaders. This is an excellent opportunity for those in the ECE community to learn from each other and hear more about ways to engage with WECA to advocate for child care. WECA is here to listen, support and empower you to advocate for ECE!
Contact: Bianca Hill (bhill@tendercarechristian.org)

Milwaukee College Prep Open House
Wednesday, April 10, 4-6 p.m.
Families with children entering K3 and K4 this fall are invited to attend a community open house at the MCP3 campus to learn about the school, meet with educators and staff, and play in their indoor play space.
Contact: Allison Peterson (allison.peterson@milwaukeecollegeprep.com)

Five Star Education Training Center Focus Group
Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The focus group will be an inventory of the community, specifically catering to local child care centers as well as children and families. Food and resources provided.

Week of the Young Child at MATC
Wednesday, April 10, and Friday, April 12
MATC will be hosting events throughout the week, including a Milwaukee Public Library table with an ECE literacy focus (Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in their South building), a multicultural table (Friday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at MATC Walker’s Point) and a block party celebrating the importance of block play (Friday from 1-2:30 p.m. in their South building).
Contact: Celina Echeveste (echevecm@matc.edu, 414-456-5318 Ext. 65318)

Community Celebration at Notre Dame
Thursday, April 11, from 1-2:30 p.m.
Stop by Notre Dame School of Milwaukee for a scavenger hunt open house. Learn about the school community as you and your little one get moving, thinking and working together to visit fun stations around the school. Registration required.
Contact: Holly Tassone (htassone@notredamemke.org, 414-316-3280)

Artsy Thursday at the Urban Ecology Center: Mini Activity Bags
Thursday, April 11, from 12-5 p.m.
Come check out a mini-activity package to explore the park through art. This is a self-led activity. Drop in any time between 12-5 pm!
Contact: Melanie Julio, (414) 431-2940

Play Date with Art: Rainbow Connections at the Milwaukee Art Museum
Friday, April 12, from 10 a.m.-Noon
Make art and play together in this drop-in program designed especially for our youngest art enthusiasts, ages 5 and under (with an adult). Meet in Windhover Hall, where you’ll make your own artistic creation, explore a large-scale communal activity, and join in singalongs at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. with Milwaukee’s favorite children's performer, Mr. Steve. Included in price of admission.
Contact: Xoe Fiss, (414) 224-3200

Urban Ecology Center Hike & Campfire
Friday, August 12, from 1-2:30 p.m.
Join the Urban Ecology Center for an afternoon nature hike, looking for signs of spring and a small campfire in the Menomonee Valley. Free for everyone - registration is appreciated.
Contact: Melanie Julio, (414) 431-2940

Wellness Fair at Bay View Community Center
Friday, April 12, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Spring into wellness at the Bay View Community Center. It's the ideal time to shed the winter blues and embrace a wellness journey that fosters positivity, productivity, and overall vitality. Stop by for free stress awareness and posture screenings, spring wellness tips, stretches, healthy snacks and more.
Contact: Diana Billstrom (diana@bayviewcenter.org)

Betty Brinn Children’s Museum
Daily (closed Tuesday)
The Museum is joining the National Association for the Education of Young Children with themed-programming to celebrate young children and their families. Enjoy such activities as DIY pellet drum making, a birdy dance party and a museum-wide scavenger hunt! All programs are included in the price of admission.
Contact: Haydn Flores (hflores@bbcmkids.org)