Is Preschool Really Worth It? Why Early Childhood Education Matters More Than Ever

There was a time when childcare was often viewed simply as a place for children to stay while parents worked.

Today, we know so much more.

Thanks to decades of research in early childhood education and brain development, high-quality preschool is recognized as one of the most valuable investments families can make in their child’s future—not because parents have to work, but because children benefit tremendously from intentional learning experiences during their earliest years.

At Young Scholars Academy, we hear questions like these all the time:

• “Do they really need preschool?”
• “Wouldn’t they learn the same things at home?”
• “They’re only little once—isn’t it okay to just let them be kids?”

The answer may surprise you.

Yes… They Should Absolutely Be Kids.

Let’s clear up one common misconception.

Preschool isn’t about making toddlers sit at desks, memorize flashcards, or rush childhood.

The best preschool programs do exactly the opposite.

They give children more opportunities to play, explore, imagine, create, build friendships, ask questions, solve problems, and discover the world around them.

At Young Scholars Academy, we believe childhood should be joyful.

Learning happens best when children don’t even realize they’re learning.

Children’s Brains Are Growing Faster Than They Ever Will Again

Did you know that the first five years of life are the most important years of brain development?

Every conversation, every block tower, every song, every friendship, every story, and every outdoor adventure creates connections inside a child’s developing brain.

Those experiences become the foundation for future learning.

That’s why high-quality preschool focuses on so much more than ABCs and 123s.

Preschool Teaches Skills That Last a Lifetime

A great preschool program helps children develop skills they’ll use long after they’ve learned the alphabet.

These include:

• Communicating with others
• Sharing and taking turns
• Managing emotions
• Solving problems independently
• Listening and following directions
• Building confidence
• Developing curiosity
• Working as part of a group

These “soft skills” often become the biggest predictors of future success in school.

Learning Through Play Is Real Learning

One of the biggest myths about preschool is that children are “just playing.”

The truth?

Play is how children learn.

When children build with blocks, they’re exploring engineering, math, balance, and physics.

When they pretend to run a grocery store, they’re developing language, social skills, early literacy, and problem-solving.

When they paint, climb, dig in sensory bins, or work together on a puzzle, they’re strengthening fine motor skills, creativity, and critical thinking.

To adults, it may look like fun.

To a child’s brain, it’s learning.

Preschool Helps Children Build Confidence

One of the greatest gifts preschool gives children is confidence.

Children learn they can make friends.

They discover they can solve problems.

They begin making choices independently.

They learn that mistakes are okay because that’s how we grow.

These experiences build resilient, capable children who are excited—not nervous—to enter kindergarten.

Preschool Benefits Parents, Too

Preschool doesn’t just support children.

It supports families.

Parents gain trusted partners who celebrate milestones, identify strengths, communicate progress, and work together to support each child’s unique development.

You’re never raising your child alone.

You have an entire team cheering them on.

Quality Matters

Not every childcare center or preschool is the same.

Look for programs that provide:

• Qualified, caring teachers
• Developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Small class sizes and healthy ratios
• Play-based learning
• Strong family communication
• Safe, engaging classrooms
• Accreditation and a commitment to continuous improvement
• These qualities create an environment where children can truly thrive.

Investing in Today Builds Tomorrow

Preschool isn’t about rushing childhood.

It’s about giving children more opportunities to experience childhood through meaningful play, caring relationships, and intentional learning.

The friendships they build…
The confidence they gain…
The questions they ask…
The problems they solve…

Those moments shape who they become.

At Young Scholars Academy, we’re proud to create an environment where children are encouraged to wonder, explore, laugh, learn, and simply be kids.

Because the best preschool doesn’t take away childhood.

It makes childhood even richer.

Discover the Young Scholars Academy Difference

If you’re looking for a preschool in Colorado Springs where children are nurtured, challenged, and celebrated every day, we’d love to meet your family.

Schedule a tour and see firsthand why so many families trust Young Scholars Academy to help their children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.

Is My Two-Year-Old Normal? Understanding Common Toddler Behaviors That Often Worry Parents

If you’re the parent of a two-year-old, chances are you’ve found yourself wondering:

“Is this normal?”

Maybe your child suddenly says “no” to everything. Perhaps they’re throwing tantrums over seemingly small things, refusing foods they loved last week, or insisting on doing everything themselves.

Take a deep breath.

As early childhood educators, we spend every day with toddlers, and one thing we can confidently tell parents is this: many of the behaviors that feel stressful or concerning are actually signs of healthy development.

Why Two-Year-Olds Seem So Challenging

The toddler years are filled with incredible growth. At age two, children are developing language, independence, emotional awareness, and problem-solving skills at an astonishing pace.

The challenge is that their emotions often develop faster than their ability to communicate them.

Imagine having big feelings but not always having the words to explain them. That’s often what life feels like for a two-year-old.

Common Two-Year-Old Behaviors That Are Usually Normal

Saying “No” to Everything

One of the biggest milestones during the toddler years is developing independence.

When your child says “no,” they’re often practicing autonomy and discovering that they have their own thoughts, preferences, and choices.

While it can be frustrating, this is a healthy part of development.

Frequent Tantrums

Tantrums are one of the most common concerns parents bring up.

The good news? Tantrums are typically a normal part of toddler development.

Two-year-olds experience strong emotions but are still learning how to regulate them. A tantrum doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong—it often means your child needs support learning how to manage big feelings.

Wanting to Do Everything Themselves

“Me do it!”

If you’ve heard this phrase lately, congratulations—your child is developing confidence and independence.

Whether it’s putting on shoes, pouring water, or climbing into the car seat, toddlers often want to practice new skills even when they aren’t quite ready to master them.

Difficulty Sharing

Many parents worry when their two-year-old doesn’t share well.

The reality is that true sharing is a skill that develops over time. Toddlers are naturally focused on their own experiences and are just beginning to understand other people’s perspectives.

This doesn’t mean they’re selfish—it means they’re learning.

Strong Preferences and Sudden Changes

Your child may love bananas on Monday and refuse them on Tuesday.

They may insist on a specific cup, specific shirt, or specific routine.

These preferences help toddlers feel a sense of control in a world that often feels very big and unpredictable.

When Parents Compare Their Child to Others

One of the biggest sources of stress for parents is comparison.

You may see another child speaking in full sentences while yours uses fewer words. You may know a toddler who sits calmly during story time while yours is constantly moving.

The truth is that child development is not a race.

Children develop skills at different rates, and there is a wide range of what is considered typical development for two-year-olds.

How Preschool Helps Two-Year-Olds Thrive

A high-quality preschool environment provides opportunities for toddlers to:

• Practice social skills with peers
• Build language and communication skills
• Learn routines and expectations
• Explore independence in a safe environment
• Develop emotional regulation with caring adults

At Young Scholars Academy, we understand that the toddler years are filled with both challenges and incredible growth. Our teachers meet children where they are developmentally and help guide them through these important milestones.

When Should Parents Seek Additional Guidance?

While many toddler behaviors are completely normal, parents should always trust their instincts.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, communication skills, hearing, social interactions, or overall growth, speak with your pediatrician. Early support can make a tremendous difference when needed.

The Bottom Line

If your two-year-old is testing boundaries, having big feelings, insisting on independence, and keeping you on your toes, you’re not alone.

In fact, those behaviors are often signs that your child is growing exactly as they should.

The toddler years can be exhausting, but they are also filled with remarkable learning, discovery, and development. Give yourself grace, celebrate the small victories, and remember: many of the things that make two-year-olds challenging are the very things helping them become confident, capable children.

Looking for a Preschool That Understands Toddlers?

At Young Scholars Academy, our experienced teachers help two-year-olds learn, grow, and thrive through hands-on experiences, nurturing relationships, and developmentally appropriate activities. Learn more! 

Schedule a tour today and discover how we support children through every stage of early childhood development.

2020 has really been something. Just because 2020 seemed like a total bust does not mean we should give up our hope for 2021. Think back on your plans for 2020, do you think that you can adjust or revisit these goals in the new year? Why not change your vision to adjust with the times and get your kids involved as well!

Goals are not just for us adults either. Setting goals for little ones is just as important as adults. It is a great way to work towards something and be able to learn to fail and get back up. We all know not every goal we set out to obtain is always a success. 2020 has proven to us the need to pivot, be flexible, and problem solve.

Making resolutions with your kids can be a great family bonding experience. It can also open to you a little more about your child. Below you will find 4 ways to help your kids make resolutions and what lessons that can teach them along the way.

1. Keep a positive approach. Goal setting and resolutions are truly about making ourselves happy. So, it is essential to keep an open mind and be positive when making resolutions with your little ones. Be there cheerleader instead of pointing out the short falls. Point out all the growth they made over the last year. Highlight huge accomplishments. Also avoid telling them their goal isn’t a good goal even if it a materialistic goal like collecting 25 new Pokémon. It is their goals and needs to reflect who they are.
2. Suggest but do not tell them what resolutions to make. Ask questions about why they would like to build on. Brainstorm broad goals and milestones. Then talk to them about each broad goal helping them break down into an age appropriate attainable goal for each category.
3. Do not end up with a list of ten or more resolutions. Have your child narrow their list down to about 3 or 4 top goals. It is important that we do not teach our kids it is about making a huge list of resolutions and not following through.
4. Plan on how to obtain those goals but writing steps below each goal and how they plan to execute it.

There are so many lessons that can be taught by reaching your goals or even failing them. But the overall picture for our littles is support and encouraging them to reach high and go for their goals.

Ms. Michaela
Lead Preschool Teacher
Social Emotional Coordinator