Children's Week 2026: celebrating language, culture and belonging in early learning

Every child brings something special to early learning: the language they speak at home, the stories their family tells, the songs they sing and the traditions they celebrate. Children's Week, running from 24 October to 1 November 2026, is a chance to celebrate all of it.

This year's national theme is "Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion." This post explains what Children's Week is, what the theme means for young children, and simple ways your family can take part at home, in the community and at your child's early learning centre.

What is Children's Week?

Children's Week is a national celebration of the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children. It is held each October, and in Victoria, local councils, not-for-profit organisations, schools and early childhood services run events such as open days, displays and online activities. Events listed on the Victorian Government's Children's Week page are free for families with children up to 12 years of age.

Each year, the Children's Week Council of Australia chooses one article of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child as the national theme. In 2026 it is Article 30, which is about children's right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion.

What the 2026 theme means for young children

Language, culture and faith are part of who a child is. When a toddler babbles in the language spoken at home, or a four-year-old proudly shows a photo from a family celebration, they are saying, "This is me, and this is where I belong."

The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), the national framework that guides early childhood education and care in Australia, is called Belonging, Being and Becoming. Its first learning outcome is that children have a strong sense of identity. Children build that identity through secure, trusting relationships, and through seeing their family, language and culture welcomed and respected. The framework also names respect for diversity as one of its guiding principles.

If your family speaks more than one language at home, this is good news. Keeping a home language strong is something to celebrate, and it sits comfortably alongside learning English. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and for children from culturally and linguistically diverse families, seeing their heritage valued helps them feel safe and ready to join in.

Ways your family can celebrate Children's Week

You do not need a special event to take part. Small, everyday moments count. Here are some ideas to try:

• Share a word, song or story in your family's language at bath time, in the car or at bedtime. Ask your child to teach you a word too.

• Cook a family recipe together and talk about where it comes from and who taught it to you.

• Look through family photos and tell the stories behind them, including celebrations, places and special people such as grandparents and other family members.

• Ask your child what they love about your family or what they are proud of, and listen to their answers.

• Share something from home with your child's educator, such as a photo, a lullaby or a few words in your language, so it can be woven into the room.

How early learning supports belonging every day

Children's Week is a lovely reminder, but a sense of belonging is built every day. In early learning, educators can welcome home languages with greetings in different languages, include books, music and stories that reflect the families in the room, and invite families to share their traditions.

At Y Whittlesea Early Learning, educators share what they observe through learning stories and conversations, and welcome what families share in return, including each child's interests, culture and experiences at home. That exchange helps build a fuller picture of each child. It is part of how we work across our nursery, toddler, three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten programs.

Frequently asked questions

When is Children's Week in 2026?

Children's Week 2026 runs from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November 2026.

What is the Children's Week 2026 theme?

The national theme is "Children have the right to use their own language, celebrate their culture and practise their religion." It is based on Article 30 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Do I need to go to an event to take part?

No. Children's Week can be as simple as sharing a story, a song or a family recipe at home. Events are a great extra if they suit your family.

Should I speak my home language with my child?

Yes. Your home language is part of your child's identity and your family's story. You can also tell your child's educators about the words, songs and traditions that matter to your family, so they can be reflected in the program.

Bringing your family's story into your child's learning

Every child deserves to feel that who they are, and where they come from, is welcome. If you would like to see how a Y Early Learning centre welcomes families, book a tour at a centre near you, or read more in our Family Handbook.