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.

Hiring Red, White & You! Statewide Veterans Job Fair Scheduled for November 5 in Longview

October 27, 2025
Wednesday, November 5 | 10 AM - 1 PM | Maude Cobb Convention Center

SNAP Benefits / Government Shutdown FAQ Guide from Texas Health & Human Services

By Texas Health & Human Services • October 24, 2025
SNAP Benefits are not handled by Workforce Solutions East Texas offices. Our staff members cannot assist with your inquiries regarding the Federal Government Shutdown's effect on your benefits. To aid in these concerns, we are sharing information below from Texas Health and Human Services .  2025 Federal Government Shutdown With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits. Check this page for updates . SNAP SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. WIC WIC benefits are not affected currently. TANF TANF benefits are not affected currently. Medicaid Medicaid is not affected currently. CHIP CHIP is not affected currently. Find answers about SNAP and other benefits in the Federal Government Shutdown FAQ (PDF) .
Welcome slide: Workforce Solutions Management. Board officers: Gene Rayburn, Priya Rayburn.

Welcome, New Board Officers! Chair Gene Keenon & Vice Chair Pam Pearson

By Workforce Solutions East Texas • October 24, 2025
We are pleased to introduce the newest officers of our Board of Directors: Chair Gene Keenon, Municipal Services Manager at Republic Services, and Vice Chair Pam Pearson, Administrator of the Wills Point Economic Development Corporation. Keenon represents the Private Business sector and was appointed to the board on December 23, 2014. Pearson represents Economic Development and was appointed on March 17, 2015. Both have dedicated many years to the board and served as chairs of subcommittees, bringing valuable experience and insights to guide the board in supporting our community. "It is a great honor to accept the appointment as Chairman of the Board for the East Texas Workforce Solutions and to serve as a representative of the private business community. I am deeply committed to advancing the mission and values of this exceptional organization," said Keenon. "Having the privilege of doing business throughout all 14 counties in our region, I understand both the challenges and opportunities that exist within our workforce. I pledge to represent our entire area with integrity, dedication, and a steadfast focus on the prosperity and well-being of our citizens. "The Board’s team of dedicated and diverse volunteers plays a vital role in overseeing millions of dollars in training and financial aid programs that empower individuals through childcare support, education, and job-readiness. I have witnessed firsthand the importance of these services—growing up watching my own mother work tirelessly to support her family as a single mom without a high school education —and I know how transformative such resources can be. "Our collective mission is to improve the quality of life for all East Texans. That mission is also my personal goal, and I am eager to work alongside these board members and dedicated staff to strengthen our communities and expand opportunities for all." The Workforce Solutions East Texas Board works with the region’s chief elected officials and sets local workforce policy. The volunteer board is made up mostly of private sector members, along with representatives from labor, education, and community organizations. We proudly serve Anderson, Camp, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Henderson, Marion, Panola, Rains, Rusk, Smith, Upshur, Van Zandt, and Wood counties. “I am truly honored by the opportunity to serve as Vice Chair of the Workforce Solutions East Texas Board," said Pearson. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated group of leaders who share a strong commitment to strengthening our workforce and supporting the employers, families, and communities across our region. I have great confidence in the talent, experience, and collaboration of this board as we continue advancing opportunities for East Texans.” We look forward to Keenon and Pearson’s leadership as we plan initiatives that support local businesses and economic growth. Join us in congratulating them at our next Workforce Solutions East Texas Board Meeting on November 12 at our Tyler center located at 4100 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75703.
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