Springfield Urban League & Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 Celebrate “Week of the Young Child” with Community Proclamation
April 17, 2026
Original coverage in the Springfield Herald News.
The Springfield Urban League Inc., in collaboration with Birth to Five Illinois: Region 51 will host a special Week of the Young Child Declaration Celebration on April 17th, 2026, bringing community leaders together to highlight the critical importance of early childhood development.
This event will feature Springfield Urban League Head Start and Early Head start staff, who will stand alongside community partners to present a formal proclamation emphasizing the need to support children’s educational, social, and interpersonal development during their earliest and most formative years. The proclamation serves as a call to action for the public to invest in and prioritize the well-being and growth of young children across Illinois.
"Week of the Young Child is more than a celebration; it is a reminder that the future of Illinois runs through our early childhood classrooms. At a time when families are navigating rising costs, workforce demands, and persistent inequities, investing in high quality early learning is not optional; it is the smartest, most urgent economic and moral choice we can make. Early childhood education is not a privilege; it is a right.
As an organization rooted in service and equity, the Springfield Urban League stands in lock-step with NAEYC’s mission. We are grateful that we share the same firm belief that investing in our children creates positive measurable outcomes for their futures. This proclamation is yet another step forward towards ensuring that every young child, regardless of zip code, has a strong, fair start,” said Dr. Marcus E. Johnson, President & CEO of the Springfield Urban League.”
Malik Perry, The Urban League’s Early Childhood Education Quality Assurance and Data Compliance Specialist, shared, "We are celebrating Week of the Young Child 100 days into NAEYC’s (National Association for the Education of Young Children) and the Springfield Urban League’s 100th year, honoring a century of dedication to young children and the educators who lay the foundation and make a difference every day in The Movement.” Throughout the week, children will participate in engaging, hands-on activities centered around teamwork, creativity, food, art, and family experiences designed to celebrate their learning and development. "This week, culminating in the Proclamation, is a powerful way to educate the public and highlight the importance of prioritizing high-quality early childhood education,” Perry added.
Attendees can expect engaging discussions centered on the importance of advancing early childhood initiatives throughout the state, with a strong focus on why programs like Head Start are essential in building a solid foundation for lifelong learning and success. Leaders will also discuss how prioritizing early education today strengthens families, communities, and the future workforce.
In celebration of the Week of the Young Child (April 13–17, 2026), Springfield Urban League’s Head Start and Early Head Start programs will host a week of themed, hands-on activities in the classroom that include:
Music Monday – Children will create their own musical instruments and participate in a lively parade, exploring sounds and rhythms in a fun, interactive way.
Tasty Tuesday – A hands-on cooking experience where children will build their own mini pizzas, encouraging creativity and independence.
Work-Together Wednesday – Classrooms will engage in a friendly tower-building competition, promoting teamwork, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Artsy Thursday – Each child will design a square for a collaborative classroom quilt, celebrating creativity and unit.
Family Friday – Families will be honored through a special Family Tree display, showcasing photos and strengthening the connection between home and school.
For more information on the Week of the Young Child visit the NAECY website www.naeyc.org/events/woyc.
Event Details:
Date: April 17th
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 770 Apple Orchard Road, Springfield, Illinois