Early Edge Resources

Celebrating Juneteenth

June 19, 2026

Resources for Early Learning Teachers, Caregivers, and Families

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, the day enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. Today, Juneteenth is celebrated annually as a time to honor Black history, culture, resilience, and joy.

In recognition, Early Edge California has curated a collection of educational resources to help early learning educators, caregivers, and families introduce young children to the significance of Juneteenth and celebrate its legacy through meaningful learning experiences at home and in care settings.

For Teachers & Caregivers

• 15 Books to Acknowledge Juneteenth with Preschoolers (Building Blocks, the Lillio Early Learning blog)
• 30 Juneteenth Crafts and Activities That Kids Will Love (Crafting A Fun Life)
• Celebrate Juneteenth with Kids: Songs, Stories, and Art (ChildCareEd)
• Juneteenth Activities for Kids: Crafts, Books, and Learning Ideas (ChildCareEd)
• Juneteenth in Picture Books (Social Justice Books, a Teaching for Change project)
• Juneteenth Resources for Preschoolers (brightwheel)
• NMAAHC Kids: Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth (National Museum of African American History and Culture)

For Families

• 5 Ways to Celebrate Juneteenth with Toddlers and Little Kids (Cubby)
• 14 Books for Celebrating Juneteenth (PBS KIDS for Parents)
• NMAAHC Kids: Understanding & Celebrating Juneteenth (National Museum of African American History and Culture)

Events

• Where to Celebrate and Commemorate Juneteenth 2026 in California (Visit California)
• June 20, 2026 | 1pm – 7pm (PT): 34th Annual Santa Monica Juneteenth Celebration (All ages, Free)
  • As shared in QSLA’s June Family Activity Calendar

Learn more about Juneteenth

• Juneteenth (National Museum of African American History and Culture)
• What Is Juneteenth? (HISTORY)

You can find more resources in our “Honoring Martin Luther King Jr. Day” and “Black History Month” posts.