PHLpreK students at Prodigy Learning Center had a scrumptious start to their day, donning white chef hats and aprons as they whipped up waffles to serve their fellow tiny gourmands during the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) celebration, an event spotlighting early childhood education. One notable guest, Vanessa Garrett Harley, the city's Chief Deputy Managing Director of the Office of Children and Families, joined the kids for breakfast.

For those out of the loop, WOYC isn't just another obscure holiday—it's a week-long international fiesta honoring the pint-sized students, their teachers, their families, and the early childhood programs that keep this educational ship afloat. "There is no better way to celebrate young learners and educators than visiting one of the many childcare centers here in Philadelphia, and most importantly, one of our very own PHLpreK providers," Harley said during her visit, according to the City of Philadelphia. She lauded the center and its staff for their commitment to fostering a nurturing and enlightening environment for the city's youngest scholars.

In the heart of Philly, Prodigy Learning Center stands as a beacon of early education, situated on the west side at 3345 W. Hunting Park Ave. Not just your average daycare, this establishment is part of the PHLpreK program, which boasts 222 locations throughout the city and serves an estimated 70 students yearly at this particular site alone.

Harley's attendance shone a light on the city's efforts to keep pre-K education accessible and, above all, of high caliber. "Seeing our children in safe and fun learning spaces, smiling, laughing, and surrounded by those invested in building a strong foundation for them, is why we remain committed to making free and quality pre-K accessible to families," Harley told onlookers. She didn't mince words in her praise for Prodigy Learning Center for echoing the city's dedication to setting the educational stage for Philadelphia’s toddlers, per the City of Philadelphia.