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 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 much more!
MOYC is sponsored by the Winston Prouty Center, Building Bright Futures, Hilltop Montessori, 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
Here is a list of this year’s activities. You can also download the pdf of events HERE.
ONGOING & RECURRING EVENTS
Rhyme Time
Tuesdays, 10:30 am
Brooks Memorial Library
Join us for stories, songs and fun during our virtual Rhyme Time on Zoom. For children ages 5 and under and their caregivers. Contact the Children’s Room at cr@brookslibraryvt.org for Zoom link. Visit brookslibraryvt.org/kids or call 254-5290 ext. 1210 for more information.
Sing and Dance with Robin
Wednesdays, 10:30
A virtual music and movement class for children birth to age 5. We will sing, learn new songs, do fingerplays, lap bounces, dance, drum, shake instruments, and sway scarves to the music and end with a read aloud picture book! Email robinlmorgan@gmail.com for link.
Story Time with Susan Hessey
Thursdays, 11:00
Putney Public Library
For access to Zoom Story Times you must sign up for library newsletters (AND you’ll enjoy other children’s’ programs there, too!) at this link https://putneylibrary.org/sign-up-for-our-email-newsletter/
Academy School Outdoor Exploration
Anytime on weekends; after 3pm on weekdays
Academy School, 860 Western Ave, Brattleboro
Academy Community Together (ACT) invites families to explore the outdoor classrooms created at Academy this year. The pandemic has impacted all of us in many ways. For our children, one impact has been the increased use of outdoor spaces at school. Teachers, staff and students have worked hard to create learning environments in the forest behind the school. In addition to these spaces, the school has utilized the trails in the woods and the new addition of a bike pump track. We invite you to come explore the forest, trails and track.
17th Annual Young Children’s Art Exhibit
Living Memorial Park, 61 Guilford St, Brattleboro
Come enjoy the work of our community’s youngest artists. Early childhood educators will be displaying their students’ artistic creations along the playground fence all month long.
Spring Activity Bags
Community Hope and Action will deliver 70 activity bags to early childcare providers in the West River Valley area for the month of April. These will be filled with outdoor and indoor spring time activities fun for all ages.
Celebrate National Poetry Month!
Moore Free Library, 23 West St, Newfane
Write out a poem (your own or one by someone else) and hang it on a tree at the library. Paper and ribbon available at the library. Take and make craft kids available on Wednesdays. More info: 365-7948
Story Book Walk
Retreat Farm, 45 Farmhouse Square, Brattleboro
Adventure awaits! This month’s featured books are ‘My Friend Earth’ by Patricia MacLachlan and ‘And the Good Brown Earth’ by Kathy Henderson. These stories are specially picked to highlight Earth Day and the changing seasons. Look and listen for signs of spring as you ramble along the Forest Playground trail. The Storybook Walk is located in the Forest Playground at Retreat Farm. Follow the signs along the Farm Road up the hill, past the Historic Stone Bridge. The walk starts at the far end of Carlos’ pasture. The Farm is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk, 7 days a week.
Book bundle and craft bags
Townshend Library, 1971 VT-30, Townshend
Book bundle bags for checkout: 5 surprise books with activity sheets on a variety of themes. Take and make craft bags during school break week. Call 365-4039 for more information and to reserve bags.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Children’s Room, Brooks Memorial Library, 242 Main St. Brattleboro
Did you know that reading to your child is one of the most powerful ways to boost his or her brainpower and help prepare your child for kindergarten? Our 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program is a fun, exciting, and free way to start your child on the path to success! Any child ages birth to 5 years can participate. Stop in the Children’s Room in April to receive a special gift when you sign up. Please visit our website at brookslibraryvt.org or call 254-5290 ext. 1210 for updated library hours and more information.
Basics Bingo
Use the Basics Bingo card to find some simple things you can do with your child when exploring your environment: Can you spot something for each of these actions in your local area? Use your camera to take a picture of the QR code or look for flyers posted at some of your favorite spots in the community. For all participants who use the Bingo card for the month of April you can receive a free book bundle from Winston Prouty Center by filling out 3 questions at www.winstonprouty.org/basicsbingo
ONE-TIME EVENTS
Parent Tot Open Gym
Thursday, April 1, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00
Friday, April 2, 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00
Gibson Aiken Center, 207 Main St, Brattleboro
45-minute slots to use our gymnasium and parent tot toys for free. Limit of one household at a time. Reserve your spot at: https://tinyurl.com/ec78be8s
Animals in Winter
Saturday, April 10, 10:00
A virtual presentation by the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, hosted by Timson Hill Preschool. Learn how animals survive in winter and what changes once spring arrives. You will meet a variety of animals! Contact Timsonhill@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
Garland School Campfires are for Learning
Monday, April 12, 2:00
The Garland School, 60 Austine Dr, Lower Croker Hall, Winston Prouty Campus
The Garland School invites you to come visit our campfire! Learn about how we make a fire every day with children ages 3-5, and how we at the Garland School use fire making to teach science, safe and healthy boundaries, and being a member of a community.
Wet Felting Fun
Saturday, April 17, 11:00-1:00 (drop-in)
Winston Prouty Center, 209 Austine Drive, Brattleboro
Come wet felt or finger knit with Victoria Mansuri of BY OUR HANDS ~ A Place to Create Together (byourhandscreate.com). Spring stories accompany the activity and each child will go home with a wet felted bead or finger knitted bracelet.
Read and Imagine with Everywhere Philosophy
Saturday, April 17, 10:00-11:00
Winston Prouty Campus, upper soccer field, Austine Dr, Brattleboro
Everywhere Philosophy Presents: What is a Jump Rope? A live reading of Alan Woo’s, David Jumps In, plus an exploration of the philosophy of jumping rope! Close your eyes. Can you imagine a Jump Rope? What does it look like? What is it made of? After all, can’t jump ropes be many colors, sizes, materials and lengths? Or does it have to be a piece of rope? Can we be sure we will know a Jump Rope when we see one? Join Everywhere Philosophy’s Dr. Mike & Bethany for a reading of David Jumps In followed by a whimsical detour into the metaphysics of this beloved pastime.
Visit Wild Carrot Farm – CANCELLED
Saturday, April 17, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00
Wild Carrot Farm, 511 Upper Dummerston Road, Brattleboro
Families will meet the baby animals, enjoy a scavenger hunt, and participate in a seed planting activity. Three one-hour slots, limit of 10 families per time slot. Visitors must be prepared to wear face masks and practice social distancing at all times.
Collage Art Kits for 3-5 year olds
Saturday, April 17, 10:00-12:00
River Gallery School Main Street Studio, 32 Main Street, Brattleboro
River Gallery School of Art will be offering art kits for pick-up. There will be 25 available, first come first serve. Contact: Jess Weitz, jess@rivergalleryschool.org
Introducing the Let’s Grow Kids 3 Year Policy Agenda
Saturday, April 17, 7:00-7:45pm
Join Let’s Grow Kids Regional Field Manager, Emily Wagner, to learn about LGK’s new 3 Year Policy Agenda and how you can help keep the movement rolling towards achieving affordable, high-quality childcare for ALL of Vermont’s children. To register: https://secure.everyaction.com/Rd95sf7nS0us3uYW5pmezg2
Everywhere Philosophy Presents: Why Do Some Things Make Me SO Happy?
Winston Prouty Campus, Upper soccer field, Austine Dr, Brattleboro
Friday, April 23, 10:00-11:00
Being happy is the best! Try to remember one of the happiest times you’ve ever had. What was it like? What was it about that particular moment that made you SO happy? And what IS happiness? We know that having fun can make us happy, so does that mean that fun and happiness are the same thing? If not, what’s the difference? We have so many happy questions to ask and so much happiness to share. For this fun event, please pick out something special from your home that you’re excited to share and talk about with Dr. Mike and your new Everywhere Philosophy friends!
Signs of Spring Hike
Saturday, April 24, 10:00 to 12:00
The Grammar School, 69 Hickory Ridge Road South, Putney
Enjoy an easy amble looking for signs of spring and wildlife along The Grammar School’s streams and wooded nature trails. Mud/puddle boots recommended. Healthy snack to follow. More info: kbrautig@thegrammarschool.org
Wildlife Stories
Saturday, April 24, 10:00
Virtual presentation by the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum hosted by Early Education Services. Meet some interesting live animals, like an opposum, and hear a story about them. Contact Sandy Stark at sstark@wsesdvt.org for the link information.
Discover Scott Farm
Saturday, April 24, 1:30-2:30
Scott Farm, 707 Kipling Rd, Dummerston
Come visit historic Scott Farm as the orchard gets ready to bloom and the flower beds and pumpkin fields await planting. Enjoy a brief tour of the heirloom apple orchard, historic buildings, and The Stone Trust’s amazing rock walls and sculptures. Must have reservation and be accompanied by adult. Group size limited to 15 families. Please email simon@scottfarmvermont.com to make a reservation.
Early Education Services Diaper Giveaway
Saturday, April 24
Early Education Services, 130 Birge St, Brattleboro
Sign-up in advance to pick up your two free packages of diapers. Contact Sandy Stark at sstark@wsesdvt.org.
Paying for Education: A Strategy That Makes the Grade
Thursday, April 29, 5:00pm
Virtual presentation by Edward Jones
Watching your children grow and imagining their future opportunities can be extremely exciting. You play an important role in their development, which of course can include helping to pay for their education. There are many things to consider: rising costs, numerous financial aid and investment options, and balancing other important goals, such as retirement. However, by doing your homework and developing a strategy, you can help ensure you are working toward achieving your loved ones, children’s or grandchildren’s education goals. To register: marianne.lawrence@edwardjones.com
Dinner Together Cooking Kits
Friday, April 30, 2:00-4:00
West Townshend Country Store, 6573 VT-30, West Townshend
Townshend Community Food Shelf, in partnership with RiseVT- Windham County, offers free, easy-to-make meal kits for the family. On the last Friday of every month, families can swing by to pick up three meal kits. Each kit has enough pre-portioned ingredients to make a dish for four people and the recipes are always simple to make. It’s a great opportunity to invite your kids into the kitchen to lend a hand while also cutting down on the number of groceries you need to buy for the week. Give it a try! Questions? Email Elisha at eunderwood@bmhvt.org or call 802-257-8867. To find more tips and recipes check out: https://risevt.org/dinner-together/
PROMOTIONS
Everyone’s Books
25 Elliot St, Brattleboro
15% off children’s books the whole month of April and 20% off for store members
Bartleby’s Books
17 West Main St, Wilmington
20% off all children’s books on Sunday, April 25
The Putney Food Co-op
8 Carol Brown Way, Putney
The Putney Co-op is kicking off Month of the Young Child with a FREE chocolate chip cookie to children (8-and-under) all day Saturday, April 3rd! Cookies are located at the Deli register. More info: 387-5866
