First established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in 1971, the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an opportunity to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families, and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. Over the years, with growing interest and focus, Trying Together designated the entire month of April as the Month of the Young Child (MOYC,) a time during which the dedicated work of early educators can be promoted for the essential role that it plays in our society. The events of the last few years have demonstrated just how important it is to fund, support, and elevate the work of child care. Trying Together is currently assembling a month full of opportunities to engage the children, families, and educators in early childhood settings during MOYC. Check back for additional information soon! Events & Opportunities Join Us In Celebrating Together On Thursday, April 30, 2026, join us for Celebrating Together, an evening of formal events including a NEW VIP Reception to present the inaugural Governor Josh Shapiro Keystone Award for Early Childhood Advocacy followed by the 30th Annual Celebration of Early Childhood Educators Dinner with support from PNC Grow Up Great. Thursday, April 30, 2026 VIP Reception | 4:45 – 6:00 p.m. | Bridges Ballroom Dinner | 5:45 – 9:00 p.m. | Event Center Rivers Casino 777 Casino Drive Pittsburgh, PA 15212 Enjoy heavy hors d’oeuvres, signature cocktails/mocktails, and networking at the VIP Reception while supporting the work of early childhood educators. The Dinner will immediately follow with register-to-win opportunities, photo booths and more. Guests may choose to attend one or both events. Registration is now open! Get your tickets by April 16, 2026. To sponsor the VIP Reception and/or Dinner, or to place an ad in the program book, please see our MOYC Sponsor Sheet and program book ad PDFs for more information. For questions, contact Kerry Chapman, assistant director of development at kerry@tryingtogether.org or 412.206.1053. Submit Your MOYC-in-a-Box Requests Trying Together will once again offer early learning programs the opportunity to receive a box of MOYC materials. Boxes will be mailed or delivered to programs by their Quality Coach before April 1, 2026. The request form will be posted in January 2026. Attend the Student Affiliate Dinner The Annual Student Affiliate Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Westmoreland County Community College in collaboration with Carlow University. Check back soon for registration details. Attend the PennAEYC VOICE for Children Celebration Join PennAEYC (the Pennsylvania affiliate for NAEYC) for their annual 2026 Voice for Children Awards taking place on Friday, April 10, 2026 at the Hershey Lodge from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Early bird and regular registration will open in January 2026. Save the date, and check PennAEYC’s website for additional event details. Participate in The NAEYC Week of the Young Child (WOYC) NAEYC has announced that the WOYC will run from April 11 -17, 2026. Check back on this page soon for information on The Homewood Early Learning Hub & Family Center’s WOYC events during WOYC. To learn more about WOYC, daily themes, and activity resources, visit NAEYC’s WOYC webpage. Share Your Celebrations With Us Follow Trying Together on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn! If you’re hosting a Month of the Young Child or Week of the Young Child celebration, tag us on social media with the hashtags #TryingTogether and #MOYC2026. TweetSharePin1Share1 Shares
