The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) to recognize the importance of early childhood education, the dedication of educators, and the vital role families play in supporting young children’s growth and learning. Throughout this special week, communities and organizations come together to highlight the needs of young children and advocate for policies and programs that support their development.
At Marguerite’s Place, we believe that every child deserves a strong start, and that begins with high-quality early learning experiences that nurture their development in all areas—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. Our program is built on the Pyramid Model Framework, which provides a foundation of social-emotional support to help children build relationships, regulate emotions, and develop confidence in a safe and supportive environment.
This week is an extension of the work we do every day, reinforcing the importance of creativity, wellness, connection, and play in early childhood.
How We’re Celebrating at Marguerite’s Place
Each day of the Week of the Young Child brings a unique theme, focusing on different aspects of child development and learning. Here’s how we’re bringing these themes to life with our little learners:
🎨 Artsy Monday – Expressing Creativity & Emotions
Art is a powerful tool for self-expression and emotional growth. To kick off the week, our children will create a mural using chalk paint, working together to transform a shared space into a colorful reflection of their creativity. This activity is not only fun but also helps children express feelings, collaborate with peers, and build a sense of community—key aspects of the Pyramid Model’s approach to social-emotional learning.
🍎 Tasty Tuesday – Building Friendships Through Food
Mealtimes and shared experiences around food help children develop social skills, patience, and a sense of belonging. On Tasty Tuesday, our children will make “friendship snacks,” working together to create a shared treat. As they mix, pour, and serve, they are also learning cooperation, kindness, and the joy of sharing—reinforcing the importance of positive peer relationships.
🧘♀️ Wellness Wednesday – Supporting Mind & Body Regulation
Physical and emotional well-being are deeply connected. On Wellness Wednesday, children will participate in yoga, an activity that supports self-regulation, body awareness, and mindfulness—all skills that help children feel safe and secure in their environment. Our focus on emotional well-being is a core part of our curriculum, helping children learn strategies to manage big emotions and build resilience.
🎶 Musical Thursday – Finding Connection Through Music
Music is more than just a fun activity—it fosters language development, self-expression, and emotional connection. On this day, the Nashua Community Music School will join us to bring the joy of music to our classrooms. Whether through singing, dancing, or playing instruments, this day reinforces the importance of creative expression and the joy of shared experiences.
🎡 Family Friday – Celebrating Community & Belonging
Family is at the heart of everything we do, and this day is especially meaningful to us at Marguerite’s Place. We’ll wrap up the Week of the Young Child with our onsite Family Carnival Night, bringing together children, parents, and caregivers for an evening of fun, laughter, and connection.
Our childcare program is unique—it serves both families in transitional housing and families from the broader community. This creates a space where children from all walks of life learn
and grow together, forming friendships without barriers. Family Friday is a reflection of this inclusivity, a joyful reminder that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and part of a community.
At Marguerite’s Place, we believe in breaking down stigmas surrounding housing instability by fostering a space where all families are welcomed with dignity and respect. Events like Family Friday highlight that, at our core, we are all more alike than different—parents striving to create bright futures for our children, and children who simply want to play, learn, and be loved.
Why This Week Matters to Marguerite’s Place
The Week of the Young Child is more than just a celebration—it’s a reflection of our commitment to the well-being of young children and their families. It is a reminder that early childhood experiences shape the trajectory of a child’s life, and by providing high-quality education, social-emotional support, and a nurturing community, we are helping to lay the foundation for lifelong success.
At Marguerite’s Place, our mission is to transform the lives of families working to achieve safety, stability, and independence by fostering connection and providing holistic, individual, and group support offerings, including transitional housing for women and their children, as well as early childhood education, and group-based community programs for all.
The Week of the Young Child is a beautiful extension of this work, reinforcing our belief that every child deserves a strong foundation, every family deserves support, and every community thrives when we lift each other up.
