There’s something special about a week celebrating how children view the world. At Children’s Discovery Center, each day is greeted with curiosity and joy, but Week of the Young Child® is an especially impactful time for students and staff alike. Whether you are a current CDC parent or are just beginning to explore our Toledo-area early childhood education centers, we’re excited to share the fun CDC classes experienced this April.

What is Week of the Young Child?

Week of the Young Child is a national celebration that highlights the importance of early childhood education. Sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), this 55-year tradition recognizes the teachers, families and communities who work together to support children during their most formative years.

To us, it’s also a chance to pause and appreciate the everyday moments that spark curiosity and create confidence in our centers, from infant care and toddler programs to preschool and kindergarten classrooms.

What is CDC’s schedule for Week of the Young Child 2026?

We hope your curiosity is piqued! This past April, Children’s Discovery Center explored the different ways little ones learn, grow and connect. Each day held new adventures as students brought learning themes to life through hands-on exploration.

CDC students explored the following topics during this year’s celebration.

Music Monday

Music is a powerful teaching tool for early learning and STEAM education. If you were at CDC on Music Monday, you heard laughter and melodies floating down the halls as children experimented with rhythm, movement and sound.

Reggio Emilia-inspired music activities to try at home:

• Share your favorite album with your child. 
• Write a song together. 
• Have a dance party after dinner.

Tasty Tuesday

From practicing sharing and cooperation to exploring their senses, food-based learning allows students to savor each lesson and moment on this special day. 

How to celebrate at home: 

• Allow your child to help prepare dinner. 
• Try new fruits or vegetables and discuss the taste, textures and colors of each. 

Work Together Wednesday

Classroom time is all about collaboration on Work Together Wednesday! Last year, CDC students joined forces for exciting construction projects. On Work Together Wednesday 2026, our young learners gathered around to explore, create and discover together using natural materials like mossy stones and wood. 

Teach teamwork at home with these Reggio Emilia activities:

• Build something together using blocks, pillows or recycled materials. 
• Encourage teamwork by taking turns and solving little challenges together.

Artsy Thursday

Creativity takes center stage on this day. Children learn to communicate through artistic expression, and providing them with the space to experiment and explore is a focus in our Discovery Rooms and early learning classrooms.

Try these simple Reggio Emilia-inspired art exercises at home:

• Set up an art station with paper, crayons or paint. 
• Let your child create freely and talk about what they made and why.
• Create a nature collage from objects found on a walk.

Family Friday

Families are at the heart of all we do. The attention, care and support of caregivers like you are the secret power that helps our students and programs thrive. To end a fulfilling week, we focused on celebrating those who lift us up each day. 

To strengthen your family’s bonds:

• Spend quality time together with a favorite activity like reading a book.
• Go for a walk and play eye-spy. 
• Use dinnertime to talk, laugh and connect as a family.

Let’s Grow Together!

From infant care and preschool education to our kindergarten Discovery School, Children’s Discovery Center is ready to help your child succeed. Contact us today to speak with our certified educators and schedule a visit to one of our five Toledo-area childcare centers.