Join us to celebrate young children and the caregivers with free family-friendly activities throughout Windham County, Vermont!
It’s a time to turn our attention to the many people, places and programs that support the healthy development of our next generation by laying the foundation for their success.
The festivities aren’t only about fun, they’re also about learning! We know that about 90% of the brain is developed by age 5 and the first 1,000 days (3 years) are a window of opportunity to invest in for the future. That means that all activities young children engage in – from simple routines to exciting adventures like watching a live puppet performance – can have a lasting impact on their growth and resilience.
There will be singing and dancing, story time and art making, nature hikes and new this year, an opportunity to meet with a financial advisor!
Booklets with event descriptions are available at your local library and will be distributed to all early care and learning programs in Windham County. It is also available for download below. Contact 802-257-7852 with questions.
MOYC is sponsored by the Winston Prouty Center, Building Bright Futures, Hilltop Montessori, KidsPLAYce, Early Education Services, RiseVT and the Windham Early Childhood Educators Coop.
Stay up-to-date on event activities at the Month of the Young Child Facebook Page
Below are the list of events. You can also download the 12-page booklet HERE
PROMOTIONS:
Everyone’s Books
25 Elliot St, Brattleboro
802-254-8160 ~ www.everyonesbks.com
15% off a children’s book throughout April
The Marina
28 Spring Tree Rd, Brattleboro
802-257-7563 ~ marina.restaurant
Free sundae with kids meal throughout April
KidsPLAYce
20 Elliot St, Brattleboro
802-254-5212 ~ www.kidsplaycevt.org
Free admission during the week of April 20-24
Bartleby’s Books
17 W Main St, Wilmington
802-464-5425 ~ www.myvermontbookstore.com
20% off all children’s books on April 25
Cheshire Children’s Museum
149 Emerald St, Keene, NH
603-903-1800 ~ www.cheshirechildrensmuseum.org
Free admission (with voucher) on April 24, 25 and 26. Vouchers available at the April 5th Children’s Art Exhibit at the River Garden or by calling 802-257-7852.
The Putney Coop
8 Carol Brown Way, Putney
802-387-5866 ~ www.putneyfood.coop
Free chocolate chip cookie to kids 8 and under on April 4th. Cookies are located at the Deli register
RECURRING EVENTS
Mothers’ Circle – Tuesdays* – 10:00-12:00
Early Education Services, 130 Birge St, Brattleboro
The Mothers’ Circle is a safe, confidential space to share about the realities of our motherhood experiences and to find friendship and emotional support! Tea and refreshments are served. Childcare is available for children ages 0-4. Please email brattleborovillage@gmail.com to RSVP for childcare or if you would like more info.
Sing and Dance with Robin – Tuesdays – 10:30-11:30
April 7, KidsPLAYce, 20 Elliot St, Brattleboro
April 14, 21, & 28, Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St, Brattleboro
A fun, joy-filled hour for parents and children ages birth to 5. Sing, dance, and explore rhythm instruments in an enriching and bonding musical experience! Pre-registration is appreciated. Call Rose at 802-254-5212.
The Yoga Nest – Wednesdays* – 10:00-12:00
Sobo Studio, 74 Cotton Mill Hill #346, Brattleboro
Stretch, relax, breathe. Bring your baby. Ages newborn through crawling. Drop-ins welcome.
The Village Playgroup – Thursdays* – 10:00-12:00
Join the Facebook group “Village Playgroups, Yoga, and Community Closet” to find out locations for the Thursday playgroup.
Moontime – Thursdays* – 5:00-7:00
Early Education Services, 130 Birge St, Brattleboro
Come share, connect, and unwind. Moontime is a safe, confidential space to discuss the realities of our parenting experiences and to find friendship and emotional support Free childcare provided for all ages and dinner is served!
Snack & Story Time – Fridays – 10:30-11:30
KidsPLAYce, 20 Elliot St, Brattleboro
Enjoy a snack and story, provided by the Brattleboro Food Co-op, every Friday all year long!
All month long: Children’s Art Exhibits at the River Garden in Brattleboro and Moore Free Libary in Newfane.
*Groups will not meet during WSESU spring vacation week, April 20-24
ONE-TIME EVENTS
No Small Matter
Wednesday, April 1 – 6:00-8:00
Latchis Theater, 50 Main St, Brattleboro
No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Following the film is a panel discussion. Contact Emily for more information – emilyw@letsgrowkids.org
Family Night BINGO
Friday, April 3 – 6:00-8:00
Academy School, 880 Western Ave, Brattleboro
Join us for an enjoyable family evening of BINGO! Come for a game or stay the whole time. Prizes to be awarded to winners and fun night to be had by all, young and old.
Southern Vermont Natural History Museum Presentation
Saturday, April 4 – 10:00-11:00
Timson Hill Preschool, 13 Timson Hill Rd, Williamsville
Presentation by the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum at Timson Hill Preschool
Story Creation – Community Hope and Action Celebration: Let Hope In
Saturday, April 4 – 1:00
Moore Free Library, 23 West St, Newfane
Share stories, pictures and experiences about Hope to share at the Story Slam on April 18th.
16th Annual Young Children’s Art Exhibit
Opening Reception
Sunday, April 5 – 10:00-12:00
River Garden, 157 Main St, Brattleboro
Come enjoy the work of our community’s youngest artists. Early childhood educators will be displaying their students’ artistic creations. Hands-on
activities, refreshments, face-painting and information on resources in our community will be available.
My dragon and me at the West West Library!
Thursday, April 9 and 23 – 10:00-12:00
Westminster West Library, 3409 Westminster W Rd, Putney
Bring your dragon friend, or dress up as your favorite dragon! We will hear tales of dragons from long ago and make delicious (and beautiful!) dragon bread to enjoy. We hope to see you and all of our dragon friends here! More info at 802-387-4682.
Wee Explorers Playgroup
Friday, April 10 – 10:00-11:30
Grafton Nature Museum, 186 Townshend Rd, Grafton
informal gathering of caregivers and their children that allows for plenty of time spent outside in the woods, fields, and gardens of The Nature Museum. Time spent indoors will include a story and time to freely explore the natural materials in the museum.
Children’s Art Exhibit Opening Reception
Friday, April 10 – 3:00-5:00
Crowell Gallery, Moore Free Library, 23 West St, Newfane
Opening reception for NewBrook Elementary & Townshend Preschool Art Show for the month of April. Open to all!
Family Fun Day – CANCELLED
Saturday, April 11 – 10:00-1:00
Early Education Services, 130 Birge St, Brattleboro
Fun for all! Animals from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, face painting, crafts, scavenger/treasure hunts, free books and lunch and more!
Pizza and a Movie
Saturday, April 11 – 11:00-1:00
Whitingham Library, 2948 VT-100, Jacksonville
Come as your favorite Frozen character!
Have Fun with Collage
Saturday, April 11 – 1:00-2:30
The River Gallery School of Art, 32 Main St, Suite 201, Brattleboro
Combine tissue, magazine pages, torn paper and found objects to create a one of a kind art piece. More information: office@rivergalleryschool.org or
802-257-1577
April Break at the Grafton Nature Museum
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 16, 17, and 18 – 10:00-4:00
Grafton Nature Museum, 186 Townshend Rd, Grafton
Visit the museum during WNESU’s school break for various activities.
Earth Day Celebration
Friday, April 17 – 10:00-4:00
Grafton Nature Museum, 186 Townshend Rd, Grafton
Storybook Walk – You are a Lion!
Saturday, April 18 – 10:00
Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro
Join Retreat Farm’s outdoor educators and RiseVT- Windham County Program Manager for a storybook walk in the Forest Playground. Children will walk and read from pages in the book to discover the story of You are a Lion! and stop and do some yoga together! More info 802-490-2270 or info@retreatfarm.org
Wild Carrot Farm
Saturday, April 18 – 10:00-12:00
Wild Carrot Farm, 511 Upper Dummerston Rd, Brattleboro
Families are invited to meet farm animals, go for a hayride, and plant seeds in your own pot to take home. More info: wildcarrotfarm@gmail.com
Adventures with Super Bee
Saturday, April 18 – 11:15-11:45
KidsPLAYce, 20 Elliot St, Brattleboro
An inspiring, fun and interactive dance performance by Sobo Studios.
Let Hope In: Community Hope and Action Celebration
Saturday, April 18 – 5:00-8:00
Townshend Town Hall, 1971 VT Route 30, Townshend
Share stories, pictures and experiences about Hope. Free dinner included.
Pizza and Board Game Night
Saturday, April 18 – 5:30-7:00
West Village Meeting House, 29 South St, Brattleboro
Why cook at home when you can spend a fun evening with All Soul friends sharing pizza and playing some silly or highly competitive games? This is also a great opportunity for parents to have an evening to chat together. All ages are welcome. Please RSVP by contacting Kathy at kathyksquires@gmail.com or 802-365-7388
Parent Tot Open Gym
Monday, April 20 and Thursday, April 23 – 10:00-11:45
Gibson Aiken Gym, 207 Main St, Brattleboro
Enjoy play in a big, open space. Toys, blocks, playhouse, foam mats, balls, and more provided. Children must be supervised. More info: Brattleboro Rec
Department at 802-254-5808
Wet Felting Fun
Tuesday, April 21 – 10:00-12:00
BY OUR HANDS craft room, upstairs at 11 Butterfly Lane, Brattleboro
Come play in warm soapy water and felt. Together, we will felt a large group mural with our bare feet. Want to bring something home? Make a felt bead necklace or a bendy snake! Ages 3-12. Pre-registration encouraged, walk-ins welcome. Call Victoria at 410-925-8532
Magic Bundle Making & Songs
Wednesday, April 22 – 10:00-12:00
SUSU Healing Collective, 28 Williams St. Studio 6, Brattleboro
Make your own magic bundles out of herbs, shells, sparkles, essential oils and more. Listen to songs as you create and put your bundles in singing bowls to infuse with vibration. Ages 5-7. Pre-registration required: 802-275-8723
My dragon and me at the West West Library!
Thursday, April 23 – 10:00-12:00
Westminster West Library, 3409 Westminster W Rd, Putney
Bring your dragon friend — or dress up as your favorite dragon! We will hear tales of dragons from long ago and make delicious (and beautiful!) dragon bread to enjoy. We hope to see you and all of our dragon friends here! More info at 802-387-4682.
Wee Explorers Playgroup
Friday, April 24 – 10:00-11:30
Grafton Nature Museum, 186 Townshend Rd, Grafton
informal gathering of caregivers and their children that allows for plenty of time spent outside in the woods, fields, and gardens of The Nature Museum. Time spent indoors will include a story and time to freely explore the natural materials in the museum.
Signs of Spring Hike
Saturday, April 25 – 10:00-12:00
The Grammar School, 69 Hickory Ridge Rd South, Putney
Enjoy an easy amble looking for signs of spring and wildlife along The
Grammar School’s streams and wooded trails. Mud boots recommended. Healthy snack to follow. More info: kbrautig@thegrammarschool.org
Magical Mud and Sand Play
Saturday, April 25 – 3:00-5:00
Wonder in the Woods, 565 Green Mountain Camp Rd, Dummerston
Join us at Wonder in the Woods preschool for an afternoon on our natural playspace alongside the woods and stream, and atop the giant sandpile. Children of all ages welcome! (Must be supervised.)
No Small Matter
Saturday, April 25 – 6:00-8:00
Moore Free Library, 23 West St, Newfane
No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Following the film is a panel discussion. Contact Emily for more information – emilyw@letsgrowkids.org
Community Art and Light Lunch
Saturday, April 25 – 10:00-12:30
Broad Brook Community Center, 3940 Guilford Center Road, Guilford
Inter-generational art activity for anyone interested in exploring with paint & brushes. No experience necessary; supplies are provided. A light lunch of soups, bread and cheese begins at 11:30am. Space is limited; pre-registration required by contacting Elly Majonen at cc4guilford@gmail.com.
Mother Up!: Families Rise Up for Climate Action
Monday, April 27 – 5:30-7:30
KidsPLAYce, 20 Elliot St, Brattleboro
Mother Up! brings together families to talk about the tough realities of climate change and to participate
in the just transition to a healthier and safer world. A vegetarian meal and childcare for ages 8 and under
will be provided. Contact: abby@350vt.org
Babes in the Woods
Tuesday, April 28 – 9:30-11:30
Bonnyvale Environmental Education Center, 1223 Bonnyvale Rd, Brattleboro
Children ages 3-5 and their caregivers are invited to take a hike and enjoy the woods at BEEC. We will meet the trees and look for clues of who lives in or nearby them. We will use all of our senses to experience the wonders of the woods in early Spring. Pre-registration is required at www.beec.org or by
calling 802-257-5785.
Abenaki Storytelling with Chief Rober Longtoe Sheehan
Tuesday, April 28
Hilltop Montessori School, 99 Stafford Farm Hill Rd, Brattleboro
3-5 year olds: 9:30-10:15 & 10:30-11:15
Elementary age students: 12:20-1:15
Join Roger Longtoe Sheehan the Sagamo (Chief) of the Elnu Abenaki Tribe at the Hilltop Montessori School for 3 storytelling sessions. RSVP via email to frontdesk@hilltopmontessori.org
College: Getting There from Here
Tuesday, April 28 – Drop-in between 2:00-7:00
Edward Jones, 263 Canal St, Brattleboro
Whether your children or grandchildren are learning to crawl or learning to drive, you can help make a college education a reality. Join us for our college savings presentation, as we discuss: Questions to consider as you establish a college savings goal; savings strategies to help you reach your goal; and features and benefits of various education savings plans. Contact Marianne Lawrence, Branch Officer Administrator for more information: 802-579-1364 marianne.lawrence@edwardjones.com
Action Team Meeting
Wednesday, April 29 – 5:30-7:00
Winston Prouty Center, 209 Austine Dr, Brattleboro
Join Let’s Grow Kkids and local volunteers to learn more about how you can advocate to ensure that all of Vermont’s young children have a wonderful and safe place to play and grow while their parents are working. Contact Emily for more information: emilyw@letsgrowkids.org
Diaper Dump
Thursday, April 30 – 12:00-6:00
Dari Joy, 140 Rockingham St, Bellows Falls
The Greater Falls Diaper Bank gave out over 8,500 diapers last year to any family requesting them throughout the year at Parks Place in Bellows Falls and at the Springfield Area Parent Child Center in North Springfield. To continue meeting this important need, the fourth annual Diaper Dump is on! Those who donate will receive a coupon for one complimentary Dari Joy ice cream cone. Larger diaper sizes and wipes encouraged! More details on Facebook
(bit.ly/diaper4) and by calling Megan Applegate at 802-463-9927
