Celebrate 'Week of the Young Child' with activities and resources

Workforce Solutions East Texas • April 5, 2024

April 6 - 12, 2024

The National Association for the Education of Young Children invites you to celebrate and spotlight your classroom, advocacy, and family engagement activities during the Week of the Young Child (WOYC).


What is the Week of the Young Child?

The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to celebrate early learning, young children, their teachers, families, and communities. It is a time to recognize the importance of the early years in a child's life and to advocate for high-quality early childhood education programs.


Overview of the Event

The WOYC typically occurs in April, with events and activities across the United States. During this week-long celebration, educators, families, and communities come together to engage in various activities and initiatives that promote the well-being and development of young children.


Themes of the Week

Each day is dedicated to a specific theme, highlighting various early childhood education and development aspects. These themes are as follows:

  1. Music Monday: Music is a powerful tool for learning and expression. On Music Monday, educators and families incorporate music and movement into their activities, fostering creativity and joy in young children.
  2. Tasty Tuesday: Healthy eating habits are crucial for children's overall well-being. Tasty Tuesday encourages nutritious food choices and introduces children to the joys of cooking and trying new foods.
  3. Work Together Wednesday: Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills for success in life. Work Together Wednesday promotes activities that encourage children to cooperate, communicate, and problem-solve together.
  4. Artsy Thursday: Art allows children to express themselves creatively and develop fine motor skills. On Artsy Thursday, children engage in various art activities, from painting and drawing to sculpting and crafting.
  5. Family Friday: Families play a vital role in a child's development. Family Friday celebrates the bond between children and their families, encouraging quality time spent together and fostering strong relationships.


The Week of the Young Child is a time to celebrate the wonder and magic of early childhood. By coming together as educators, families, and communities, we can create a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. Join us in celebrating the Week of the Young Child and making a difference in the lives of young children everywhere!


To learn more about child care resources as a parent or provider, visit www.easttexasworkforce.org/child-care.

Texas Adds More than 46,000 Jobs in March

May 1, 2026
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Resilient Texas Job Market Shows Industry-Specific Growth as Unemployment Remains Stable

April 22, 2026
The total number of nonfarm jobs in Texas registered at 14,354,600 after decreasing by 8,500 positions in February. Over the year, the state added 73,800 jobs for an annual nonfarm growth rate of 0.5 percent, outpacing the national growth rate by 0.4 percentage points. Texas’ civilian labor force registered at 15,941,800 after decreasing by 13,400 over the month. Over the year, Texas’ civilian labor force has added 121,200 people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Texas remained stable at 4.3 percent. “Texas’ over-the-year growth trajectory remains strong because we have cultivated a pro-business climate that helps employers grow and generate new opportunities for working Texans,” said TWC Chairman Joe Esparza. “The Texas Workforce Commission is investing strategically in programs that foster long-term economic prosperity across all regions of our state.” The Professional and Business Services industry had the largest private sector over-the-month increase in February after adding 6,300 jobs. In addition, Manufacturing added 2,500 jobs over the month while Information added 200. Construction posted the highest annual growth rate of any major industry for the 19th month in a row at 2.7 percent in February. “The addition of more than 121,000 people to the labor force over the year reinforces the need to make sure all Texans can participate in—and benefit from—our evolving economy,” said TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto Treviño III. “The Texas workforce system is addressing the needs of today while anticipating those of tomorrow through initiatives like Texas Intern Network, which connects young Texans with employers.” The Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) had the lowest unemployment rate with a not seasonally adjusted rate of 3.3 percent in February. It was followed by the San Angelo MSA at 3.5 percent and the Abilene MSA at 3.6 percent. “The foundations of the Texas economy are strong, and our employers and workers are resilient and adaptable,” said TWC Commissioner Representing the Public Brent Connett. “It’s encouraging to see robust growth surging across key industries like Construction and Professional and Business Services, signaling that there is ample cause for optimism.” Employment estimates released by TWC are produced in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. *All estimates are subject to revision. To access this and more employment data, visit TexasLMI.com . The Texas Labor Market Information Data for March is scheduled to be released on Friday, May 1, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. (CT). 

TWC Announces Funding Opportunity for Adult Diploma Workforce Program

April 22, 2026
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is now accepting applications for its Workforce Diploma Pilot Program. This funding opportunity is intended to support programs that help adult learners in Texas obtain a high-school diploma, earn industry-recognized credentials, and develop employability skills. The Workforce Diploma Pilot Program is designed to create new career pathways for adult learners. The program connects adults who have not completed high school with education providers that offer a combination of academic instruction, career training, and supportive coaching. Eligible applicants must be authorized to grant a high school diploma in Texas or partner with an accredited entity that is authorized. Applicants are also required to have at least two years of experience in dropout reengagement services for adult students. This includes experience in academic assessments, proactive coaching, employability skills training, and preparation for industry-recognized credentials. Interested organizations must submit their completed responses by May 5, 2026. The complete request for qualifications (RFQ), including all requirements and submission documents, can be found online at: https://www.txsmartbuy.gov/esbd/3202600137 . Organizations must use this portal to submit their response. All questions regarding this RFQ should be emailed to vendorproposals@twc.texas.gov .
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