SALEM, ORE. - The Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care (DELC) joins partners across the country in celebrating the Week of the Young Child. In Oregon, Governor Tina Kotek issued a statewide proclamation officially designating the Week of the Young Child as April 5 - 11, 2025. The annual event sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children helps to build awareness about young children and to recognize the early learning professionals and programs meeting those needs.  

DELC leadership, alongside the Executive Director of the Marion & Polk Early Learning Hub, kicked off the start to the week with a visit to a local child care program in Silverton. The visit included a tour of a Preschool Promise classroom of young children ages 3-5 years old.  

“We are thrilled to celebrate the Week of the Young Child across Oregon. This is a chance for us to recognize this critical time in a child’s life and the transformational impact early learning and child care has on Oregon communities. Child care and early learning programs and the dedicated early learning professionals who do this work every day create a pivotal space for children to develop curiosity, joy, and a love of learning - providing a strong start before they enter the doors of kindergarten, “ said DELC Director Alyssa Chatterjee. “We are grateful to Governor Tina Kotek for recognizing the Week of the Young Child and for elevating the importance of the earliest years for children and families.”  

Each day during the celebratory week, there will be multiple themes highlighting early learning, young children, their families, and early learning professionals. DELC is currently spotlighting these daily themes and information over social media. To share pictures and stories about your family, use the hashtag #WOYC25 and tag DELC’s social media pages. 

For more information on Week of the Young Child®, visit naeyc. Learn more about the importance of early childhood education in Oregon: Oregon.gov/DELC.