Throughout April, DCAEYC will be celebrating Month of the Young Child, a fun-filled month celebrating early educators and young children. As part of our celebration, we'll be hosting virtual field trips and in-person events centered around the following themes:
Music Monday: When children sing, dance, and listen to music, they develop their language and early literacy skills while being active and encouraging movement.
Tasty Tuesday: Cooking together connects math with literacy skills, science, and more. It can also encourage healthy nutrition and fitness habits at home and in the classroom.
Work Together Wednesday: When children build together they explore math and science concepts and develop their social and early literacy skills.
Artsy Thursday: Children develop creativity, social skills and fine motor skills with open-ended art projects where they can make choices, use their imaginations, and create with their hands.
Family Friday: Engaging and celebrating families is at the heart of supporting our youngest learners. DCAEYC applauds family members' role as young children's first and most important teachers.
Month of the Young Child Calendar
To stay on top of all our events, download a pdf version our Month of the Young Child calendar (updated 3/22/22). For full details, descriptions, and registration links, click on the virutal field trip or in-person event names below.
Music Monday, April 4:
Dramatic Solutions: A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way
​
Wolf Trap: "I've Got a Feeling"
​
Work Together Wednesday, April 6:
Ooey Gooey with Lisa Murphy: What If Today Was Their Only Day?
​
Music Monday, April 11:
Dramatic Solutions: I Got Kind Magic, What About You?
​
Early Science Initiative: Good Science Starts with Observing and Describing
​
Family Friday, April 15:
DMV Early Childhood Nutrition Taskforce:
Promoting Health & Nutrition Literacy
​
Tasty Tuesday, April 19:
DMV Early Childhood Nutrition Taskforce Cooking Demo - Bridge the Cultural Gap with Diverse Vegan Recipes​
​
Artsy Thursday, April 21:
Earth Day Craft and Story Time with Play & Thrive DC:​
​
Inspired Child: Sing Along Jamboree!
​
Family Friday, April 22:
Every day is EARTH DAY with Allie Arnold
​
Nelson Early Learning Services:
Encouraging and Supporting Play
​
Friday, April 30th
Virtual Field Trip and In-Person Event
Descriptions and Registration
Month of the Young Child Kick-Off Featuring Mr. Derby Jams!
Friday, April 1 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: All Audiences
Join us virtually as we kick-off Month of the Young Child! We'll have giveaways, special guests, and a performance from Mr. Derby Jams!
Mr. Derby provides a live musical performance featuring original and conventional children’s songs to Go Go and Caribbean beats. Mr. Derby is strong enough for adults but made for children.
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Learn more about Mr. Derby Jams! and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Dramatic Solutions: A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way
Monday, April 4 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Audience: Children and Educators
This fun online session explores how active and cooperative storytelling and drama strategies can support social and emotional learning for early childhood education. The interactive approach empowers the students to engage, retain and transfer information. The activities will help educators engage their students with tools they can use in their curricula or modules that make learning more exciting and act as a strong vehicle for social and emotional learning and academic enrichment.
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Learn more about Dramatic Solutions and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Wolf Trap: "I've Got a Feeling"
Monday, April 4 | 10:00 am - 10:30 am
.png)
Audience: Children and Educators
Featuring Elias Schutzman, Wolf Trap Teaching Artist
Everyone has lots of feelings inside – and it can be helpful to share them with trusted friends and family. Play and sing along with Mr. Elias in an exploration of common feelings and emotions, through music and puppetry.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Learn more about Wolf Trap and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Food Prints - Exploring with Our Five Senses
Tuesday, April 5 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: Children
Join us for this Tasty Tuesday session where Food Prints will help us explore the five senses using apples and think about how the five senses work together to help us experience the food that we eat. Students will use child-safe knives to chop their own slices of apples into small pieces to taste, and will also have a guided exploration of the way that their apples smell and feel.
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Learn more about Food Prints and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
OOEY GOOEY with Lisa Murphy - What If Today Was Their Only Day?
Wednesday,April 6 | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Audience: Educators, Administrators, and Program Directors
In this motivational keynote address Lisa shares the powerful story of her first day of school. Through active and engaging storytelling Lisa brings you back to her first day, taking you on a grand tour of Miss Mary’s Nursery School. And, in the style she has become famous for, she shares many observations, lessons and anecdotes about how early childhood has changed along the way. Lisa will share the sights sounds and smells of the place where, at the young age of three, she decided to become a teacher and identifies the how, and why, that one day solidified her decision to become an educator. This inspiring keynote gets participants back in touch with their personal how and why. It gets them excited and gets them thinking: If it WAS their only day, what will they remember?
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about OOEY GOOEY and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Inspired Child: Sense of Wonder by Magpie
Thursday, April 7 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Audience: Children
Join Terry and Greg to celebrate the wonder of the natural world around us using creative drama, movement and music.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Learn more about Inspired Child and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Food Prints: "Better Than Take-Out" Family Friday!
Friday, April 8 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Audience: Families and Children
Join us for this Family Friday session designed by Food Prints to help parents feel excited, encouraged and equipped to prepare their own “take out” meal at home. On the menu we'll have Fried Rice and an optional Orange Chicken dish.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.​
Learn more about Food Prints and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Reading Opens the World Book Palooza & Community Fair
Saturday, April 9 | 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Washington Tennis Education Foundation | 200 Stoddert Place SE, Washington DC 20019
Inviting All Ward 7 and 8 Families, Educators, School Staff and Community Programs to:
- Choose from 40,000-plus free books for home and classroom libraries.
- Get your free COVID-19 vaccine at an on-site DC Department of Health clinic.
- Learn a lifelong sport with fun tennis activities and drills.
- Enjoy a delicious free hot meal from the World Central Kitchen.
- Come meet McGruff the Crime Dog and check out a real firetruck with the DC police and fire departments.
- Listen to a live broadcast from a local radio station.
- And much more!
​
School and community program staff must be registered with First Book to participate. Registration is free - please go to www.firstbook.org/AFT
​
Important details:
- Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so arrive early!
- Educators, school staff, day care providers and community programs will be able to select up to 30 books, and parents or guardians may choose up to five books per child to take home (as long as supplies last).
- Please bring your own boxes, baskets or bags for your books.
- All school staff must be registered with First Book. On-site registration will be available, but pre-registered staff will be admitted first.
Dramatic Solutions: I Got Kind Magic, What About You?
Monday, April 11 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Audience: Children and Educators
This fun online session explores how active and cooperative storytelling and drama strategies can support social and emotional learning for early childhood education. The interactive approach empowers the students to engage, retain and transfer information. The activities will help educators engage their students with tools they can use in their curricula or modules that make learning more exciting and act as a strong vehicle for social and emotional learning and academic enrichment.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Dramatic Solutions and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Early Science Initiative:
Good Science Starts with Observing and Describing
Monday, April 11 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Audience: Educators
In this session led by the Early Science Initiative, educators learn how to engage in the science practice of observing and describing with all 5 senses. Educators will also learn how to see opportunities for science throughout the day.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Early Science Initiative and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Early Science Initiative:
Observing and Describing an Orange
Tuesday, April 12 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: Children
In this session led by the Early Science Initiative, children are given the opportunity to engage in observing and describing during snack time, make connections between different senses and body parts, and use rich vocabulary.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
DCAEYC is able to provide a limited number of programs oranges to use for this event's activity. If interested in an orange delivery, click here to sign-up.
Learn more about Early Science Initiative and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
What Lies Ahead: CDA Process, Updates, and New Initiatives
Wednesday, April 13 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Audience: Educators, Administrators, and Program Directors
Join this informational session to learn about updates to the CDA process and new initiatives at the Council of Professional Recognition.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Fresh Energy Wellness
Wednesday, April 13 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Audience: Educators
Fresh Energy Wellness is a hands-on program that provides fitness, nutrition and education that our youth can use in their everyday lives. During our session together, we will discuss new ways to incorporate both nutrition and fitness in our daily routine. While building self-confidence and making healthy food choices.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Fresh Energy Wellness and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Bouquet of Peace: Paint with Ms. Aprile Hill
Thursday, April 14 | 10:00 am - 10:30 am
Audience: Children
In this session children will learn about the life and art style of Pablo Picasso. They will create 4 flowers using paper, glue and crayons.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
DMV Early Childhood Nutrition Taskforce:
Promoting Health & Nutrition Literacy
Friday, April 15 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: Families
This bundled family engagement will be an interactive discussion around support systems dealing with first life encounters (first feeding, first foods, first beverage, etc.) Participants will enjoy a sensory experience designed to put them in a slightly uncomfortable atmosphere to experience something new! Visual aids will be provided virtually to showcase milestones of eating/development and provide practical evidenced based strategies for parents to support those eating milestones.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Dramatic Solutions: A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way
Monday, April 18 | 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Audience: Children and Educators
This fun online session explores how active and cooperative storytelling and drama strategies can support social and emotional learning for early childhood education. The interactive approach empowers the students to engage, retain and transfer information. The activities will help educators engage their students with tools they can use in their curricula or modules that make learning more exciting and act as a strong vehicle for social and emotional learning and academic enrichment.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Dramatic Solutions and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
DMV Early Childhood Nutrition Taskforce Cooking Demo:
Bridge the Cultural Gap with Diverse Vegan Recipes
Tuesday, April 19 | 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Audience: Educators
During this hands on cooking demonstration we will taste/test three different snack meals and preparation techniques to engage the toddler/PreK child. Visual aids will be promoted on dealing with the picky eating child and the opportunities for resilience with family mealtime settings, including how Childcare Providers can continue to be an asset to support the home meal time environment.
Menu
- Berry sweet spring salad mix (Adults prepare)
-So awesome/ Samosas (Adult prepare)
- Coco Bits (Adult/child prepare)
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
DCAEYC is able to provide a limited number of programs ingredients to use for this event's activity. If interested in an ingredient delivery, click here to sign-up.
​
Directors' Nook
Wednesday, April 20 | 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Audience: Administrators, and Program Directors
Join our virtual meeting for DCAEYC members who are early childhood directors or administrators. This meeting will be a safe place for all early childhood directors and administrators to meet, share, and discuss topics related to our work and any additional interests.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
Educator Appreciation Sip & Paint Party!
Wednesday, April 20 | 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
700 Pennsylvania Ave SE, Floor 7, Washington, DC, 20003
Audience: Educators, Administrators, and Program Directors
Let's relax and destress while you sip and paint. You’ll follow a step-by-step painting guide to create a preprinted art masterpiece. You'll have time to paint, snack and mix and mingle. If you’re concerned about your ability, don’t worry – this event is meant to be fun and relaxing event.
​
Event details:
-
Tasty refreshments served!
-
Includes canvas and painting supplies
-
LIMITED SEATING!
-
Every participant must register in advance
-
This is an in-person and indoor event - You must wear a mask to gain entry into the building and during the event
​
Secure your in-person seat and register in advance here.
Earth Day Craft and Story Time with Play & Thrive DC:
The Lorax and Truffula Tree
Thursday, April 21 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: Children
Join us for Storytime as Play & Thrive leads us in a reading the Lorax and Earth Day craft. The craft activity will focus on fine motor development for children and tips for educators around scissor skills.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Play & Thrive DC and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Inspired Child: Sing Along Jamboree!
Thursday, April 21 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Audience: Children
Cathy & Marcy will lead everyone in joyful sing-along, clap-along, dance-along songs, accompanied on banjo, guitar, ukulele and rhythm instruments.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Inspired Child and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Every Day is EARTH DAY!
Friday, April 22 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Audience: Children
Celebrate Earth Day with DCAEYC and our host Ms. Allie Arnold from Friends of the National Arboretum (FONA)! Students will start with Garden Yoga and then visit different designated “stations” in the garden encouraging students to explore, listen, get down low, use their sense of smell, and observe what they see in each new place.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about FONA and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Nelson Early Learning Services: Encouraging and Supporting Play
Friday, April 22 | 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Audience: Families and Educators
Play is natural for young children. However, as adults we sometimes forget how important play is for their growth and development. During this session, families and children will use ‘found materials’ to enhance play to bring about more meaningful experiences.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Nelson Early Learning Services and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Mr. Derby Jams!
Monday, April 25 | 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Audience: All Audiences
Mr. Derby provides a live musical performance featuring original and conventional children’s songs to Go Go and Caribbean beats. Mr. Derby is strong enough for adults but made for children.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Mr. Derby Jams! and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Dramatic Solutions: I Got Kind Magic, What About You?
Monday, April 25 | 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Audience: Children and Educators
This fun online session explores how active and cooperative storytelling and drama strategies can support social and emotional learning for early childhood education. The interactive approach empowers the students to engage, retain and transfer information. The activities will help educators engage their students with tools they can use in their curricula or modules that make learning more exciting and act as a strong vehicle for social and emotional learning and academic enrichment.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Dramatic Solutions and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
​
Snap Ed DC: MyPlate
Tuesday, April 26 | 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Audience: Children
UDC SNAP-Ed presents a MyPlate Nutrition Lesson with Ms. Cassidy. This lesson will introduce MyPlate and the five food groups in a kid-friendly way. Participants will walk away with a new healthy snack option and ways to help them make healthy food choices moving forward.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
Learn more about Snap Ed DC and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Snack and Storytime with Martha's Table
Tuesday, April 26 | 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Audience: Children
Join us as Martha's Table leads us in making an afternoon snack with frozen banana ice cream and avocado toast, followed by a tasty story time!
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
​
DCAEYC is able to provide a limited number of programs ingredients to use for this event's activity. If interested in an ingredient delivery, click here to sign-up.
Learn more about Martha's Table and our other Month of the Young Child partners.
Chair Yoga with Trish
Wednesday, April 27 | 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Audience: Educators
This 60 minutes all-level yoga class will bring you into a rejuvenated and refreshed mindset for the rest of the school year. Any or no experience welcome.
​
Register in advance here to join us on Zoom.
2022 DC Early Educator Experience
Friday, April 29
Join DCAEYC and other early childhood education partners for the 2022 DC Early Educator Experience. This exciting free and virtual event connects early childhood educators who work in the District of Columbia for a full day of learning, networking, advocacy and celebration. Learn more and register at dcearlyedx.org.