We Don’t Use Candy for Potty Training

August 5, 2026 by Jordan Leave a Comment

Why We Don’t Use Candy for Potty Training at Young Scholars Academy

For decades, parents have heard the same advice:

“Just give them an M&M every time they use the potty.”

It sounds harmless, and for some children it may even work in the short term. But at Young Scholars Academy, we’ve chosen a different approach—one that’s focused on building confidence, independence, and healthy lifelong habits.

Instead of rewarding children with food, we celebrate their success with encouragement, praise, stamp charts, fun stamps, temporary tattoos, and lots of excitement from their teachers.

Here’s why.

Potty Training Should Build Independence—Not Dependence

The goal of potty training isn’t simply getting a child to use the toilet.

The goal is helping children recognize their body’s signals, make independent choices, and feel proud of themselves.

When the reward becomes a piece of candy or a cookie, children can begin focusing more on earning the treat than learning the actual skill.

Eventually, the reward disappears—but the habit still needs to remain.

Instead, we want children to think:

“I did it!”

Not:

“What do I get?”

Food Should Never Feel Like a Prize

Research has shown that regularly using food as a reward may unintentionally change how children think about eating.

Children naturally regulate hunger and fullness remarkably well. When sweets become rewards for good behavior or accomplishments, it can teach children that certain foods are more valuable or emotionally important than others.

While an occasional treat isn’t harmful, making food the primary motivator for learning new skills isn’t something we believe sets children up for long-term success.

Every Child Is Motivated Differently

One child may love stickers.

Another may proudly show off a stamp on their hand.

Another might be thrilled to add another square to their potty chart.

Children don’t all need sugar to feel successful.

What they really crave is recognition, encouragement, and celebrating accomplishments with the adults they trust.

What We Do Instead

At Young Scholars Academy, we use positive reinforcement that’s fun, age-appropriate, and supported by best practices in early childhood education.

Some of our favorite motivators include:

⭐ Potty stamp charts
🎉 Fun hand stamps
🎨 Temporary tattoos
👏 High-fives and cheers
💚 Verbal praise
📣 Celebrating milestones with classmates
🌟 Helping children feel proud of themselves

These rewards create excitement without making food part of the equation.

Potty Training Is a Partnership

Successful potty training doesn’t happen overnight.

It happens when children receive consistent expectations both at home and at school.

Our teachers work closely with families to recognize readiness signs, celebrate progress, and support children through accidents without shame or punishment.

Every child learns at their own pace—and that’s okay.

Building Healthy Habits for Life

At Young Scholars Academy, we believe every milestone should help children become more independent, more confident, and more capable.

That’s why you’ll see plenty of stamps, smiles, cheers, and high-fives in our classrooms—but not candy.

Because the greatest reward isn’t a piece of chocolate.

It’s the smile on a child’s face when they realize:

“I can do this all by myself.”

Potty Training Before Three: Why Waiting Often Makes It Harder

July 24, 2026 by Jordan Leave a Comment

Potty Training Before Three: Why Waiting Often Makes It Harder

When it comes to potty training, there seems to be more conflicting advice than ever before.

Some parents hear, “Don’t push it. They’ll do it when they’re ready.”

Others are told to wait until preschool or let the teachers handle it.

At Young Scholars Academy, we believe something a little different.

Most children are capable of learning to use the toilet before their third birthday—with patience, consistency, and teamwork between home and school.

The goal isn’t perfection overnight.

The goal is helping children discover that “I can do this myself.”

Potty Training Is About More Than Using the Toilet

Parents often think potty training is simply about getting rid of diapers.

In reality, it’s one of the biggest milestones in early childhood because it teaches so many other life skills.

As children learn to use the toilet, they’re also developing:

Independence
Confidence
Body awareness
Self-control
Following routines
Communication skills
Responsibility
Problem-solving

These are the exact same executive functioning skills they’ll continue building throughout preschool and into kindergarten.

Why Waiting Can Make It More Difficult

Many families are surprised to learn that delaying potty training doesn’t always make the process easier.

In fact, children who become very comfortable wearing diapers sometimes become less motivated to change.

Diapers are convenient.

Toilets require effort.

The longer children rely on diapers, the more they may resist learning a completely new routine.

Every child develops differently, but many pediatric experts agree that children between 24 and 36 months are in an excellent developmental window for learning this new skill.

Signs Your Child Is Ready

Rather than waiting for your child to announce they’re ready, look for these developmental signs:

✔ Staying dry for longer periods

✔ Showing interest in the bathroom

✔ Pulling pants up and down

✔ Following simple directions

✔ Communicating when they’re wet or dirty

✔ Wanting to copy adults or older children

Most children won’t display every sign perfectly before beginning. Potty training itself helps build these skills.

Why Consistency Matters

One of the biggest reasons potty training stalls isn’t because children can’t do it.

It’s because expectations change depending on where they are.

If children are encouraged to use the toilet at preschool but wear diapers all weekend at home, they’re receiving mixed messages.

Children thrive when everyone is working toward the same goal.

Even small, consistent routines make a huge difference.

Skip the Candy Rewards

Many parents immediately reach for M&Ms or gummy bears.

While they may create short-term excitement, food rewards don’t teach children why using the toilet is important.

Instead, celebrate the accomplishment itself.

Some wonderful alternatives include:

⭐ High fives

⭐ Sticker charts

⭐ Choosing the next bedtime story

⭐ Picking a special dance to celebrate

⭐ Ringing a “Potty Success Bell”

⭐ Letting your child flush the toilet

⭐ Extra praise focused on effort

Instead of saying:

“Good job!”

Try saying:

“You listened to your body!”

“You remembered to tell your teacher—you should be so proud!”

These types of praise help children build intrinsic motivation instead of expecting a prize every time they succeed.

What We Do at Young Scholars Academy

At Young Scholars Academy, potty training is a partnership.

Our teachers provide:

Gentle reminders throughout the day
Calm encouragement
Consistent routines
Lots of positive reinforcement
Patience when accidents happen
Celebration of every success

We never shame children for accidents.

Learning takes practice.

Just like learning to walk or write their name, every child gets there with encouragement and consistency.

The Goal Isn’t Perfection

Accidents are normal.

Learning takes time.

Some days will be amazing.

Others may feel like you’re starting over.

That’s okay.

Progress isn’t measured by one perfect day—it’s measured by growing confidence over time.

Let’s Work Together

One of the greatest gifts we can give children is the confidence to say,

“I did it myself.”

If your child is approaching their third birthday and you’re wondering where to begin, we’d love to partner with your family.

Together, we can make potty training a positive milestone that builds independence, confidence, and pride—not stress.

How to Choose the Right Infant Care Program for Your Baby’s First Year

July 15, 2026 by Young Scholars Academy Leave a Comment

Knowing how to choose an infant care program is an important step in supporting your baby’s safety, comfort, and early development. During the first year, infants need consistent routines, responsive caregiving, and a nurturing environment that encourages healthy growth.

Parents should consider factors such as caregiver qualifications, group sizes, health and safety practices, daily communication, and the program’s approach to feeding, sleeping, and developmental milestones. The right setting should provide attentive, individualized care while helping your baby build secure relationships and explore the world at an appropriate pace. Careful research can help families select a program that aligns with their needs and values.

Use an Infant Daycare Checklist to Compare Your Options

An infant daycare checklist can help parents evaluate each program carefully and compare important details without overlooking key factors. While every family has different priorities, the best choice should support your baby’s safety, comfort, development, and daily routine.

Review Health and Safety Standards

Begin by examining the program’s approach to health, cleanliness, and security. Infant rooms should be clean, organized, and designed to reduce unnecessary risks. Ask about safe sleep practices, diapering procedures, illness policies, emergency plans, and building access.

Your checklist may include:

Current licensing and inspection records
Secure entrances and visitor procedures
Regular cleaning and sanitizing practices
Safe sleep guidelines
Staff training in CPR and first aid
Clear illness and medication policies

Consider Caregiver Qualifications and Group Sizes

Infants benefit from consistent, responsive care. Review caregiver experience, education, and training in infant development. It is also important to understand how many babies are assigned to each caregiver. Smaller groups can allow staff members to respond more quickly to feeding cues, signs of discomfort, and individual developmental needs.

Ask whether your baby will have a primary caregiver and how the program maintains consistency when staff members are absent.

Compare Daily Routines and Communication

A strong infant care program should be prepared to follow each baby’s individual feeding and sleeping schedule whenever possible. Find out how staff manages bottles, breast milk, solid foods, naps, diaper changes, and soothing routines.

Parents should also receive regular information about their baby’s day. Look for communication methods that provide updates on meals, sleep, diapering, activities, and general well-being.

Evaluate the Environment and Overall Fit

During a visit, observe whether the room feels calm, welcoming, and age-appropriate. Caregivers should speak gently, respond attentively, and engage infants through safe sensory, movement, and language-based experiences. Use your checklist to compare practical details, and consider whether the program reflects your family’s expectations and makes you feel confident about your baby’s care.

Prepare Questions to Ask an Infant Daycare

Preparing questions to ask an infant daycare can help parents gather clear information and understand how each program approaches daily care. A thoughtful conversation with the director and caregivers can reveal details that may not be obvious during a brief tour.

Ask About Caregiver Experience and Training

Begin by learning about the staff members who will work directly with your baby. Ask about their education, infant care experience, and ongoing professional development. Caregivers should understand early development, safe sleep practices, feeding procedures, and how to respond to an infant’s individual cues.

Helpful questions may include:

What infant-specific training do caregivers receive?
Are staff members certified in CPR and first aid?
How long have the current caregivers worked at the program?
Will my baby have a primary caregiver?
How are staff absences and transitions managed?

Discuss Daily Care and Individual Routines

Infants develop best when their needs are met consistently and responsively. Ask how the program manages feeding, naps, diaper changes, soothing, and age-appropriate activities. Families should also understand whether caregivers can follow individual routines from home.

It is helpful to ask how breast milk, formula, and solid foods are stored and prepared. Parents may also want to discuss how the program addresses changes in sleep patterns, new foods, and developmental transitions throughout the first year.

Review Communication and Family Policies

Clear communication helps families remain informed and confident. Ask how caregivers share updates about bottles, meals, naps, diapering, mood, and activities. Some programs use written reports, digital applications, or direct conversations at pickup.

Parents should also ask about illness policies, late pickup procedures, emergency communication, medication administration, and family involvement. The answers should be clear, consistent, and easy to understand. A program that welcomes detailed questions and provides thoughtful responses is more likely to support a strong partnership with families.

Identify the Signs of a Quality Infant Care Program

A quality infant care program should provide more than basic supervision. It should create a safe, nurturing environment where babies receive responsive attention, build secure relationships, and participate in developmentally appropriate experiences.

Observe Responsive Caregiving

One of the clearest signs of quality is how caregivers interact with infants. Staff members should respond promptly to crying, hunger cues, tiredness, and signs of discomfort. Their voices should be calm and reassuring, and their interactions should include eye contact, gentle touch, and age-appropriate language.

During a visit, observe whether caregivers:

Comfort infants with patience and care
Speak and sing to babies throughout the day
Follow individual feeding and sleeping needs
Encourage safe movement and exploration
Recognize each child’s preferences and signals

Consistent, attentive caregiving helps infants develop trust and emotional security.

Look for a Safe and Engaging Environment

The infant room should be clean, organized, and designed specifically for babies. Safe floor areas should allow infants to stretch, roll, crawl, and explore. Toys and materials should be age-appropriate, sanitized regularly, and placed within easy reach.

The environment should also include spaces for feeding, diapering, sleeping, and active play. Cribs should be clear of loose bedding and other unsafe items, while diapering and food preparation areas should follow proper hygiene practices.

Review Program Practices and Family Communication

Quality programs follow clear policies and consistent procedures. Licensing information, health practices, emergency plans, and caregiver qualifications should be available to families. Staff members should be able to explain how they support infant development and adjust care as babies grow.

Strong programs also value family partnerships. Parents should receive accurate daily updates and feel comfortable sharing information about routines, preferences, and developmental changes. When caregivers and families communicate openly, babies are more likely to experience consistency between home and care.

Consider How the Program Supports Individual Development

Every baby develops at a different pace, so infant care should be flexible enough to support individual strengths, needs, and milestones. A well-designed program should encourage growth without pressuring infants to follow a fixed developmental schedule.

Review Developmentally Appropriate Activities

Infant learning happens through everyday interactions, movement, and sensory exploration. Caregivers should provide activities that reflect each baby’s age and abilities while allowing plenty of time for rest and independent discovery.

Appropriate experiences may include:

Tummy time and supervised floor play
Songs, stories, and simple conversations
Safe mirrors and sensory materials
Reaching, grasping, and tracking activities
Opportunities to crawl, pull up, and move safely

These experiences should be introduced naturally and adjusted as each infant becomes more confident.

Ask How Care Is Personalized

Infants have different feeding schedules, sleep patterns, comfort needs, and temperaments. Ask how caregivers learn about each baby and adapt the daily routine accordingly. A quality program should avoid expecting every infant to eat, sleep, or play at the same time.

Parents should also ask how caregivers respond when a baby is learning a new skill, experiencing separation anxiety, or moving through a period of rapid change. Consistent communication helps the program provide care that reflects the child’s current needs.

Understand How Progress Is Shared

Caregivers should closely monitor development and share meaningful updates with families. This may include notes about new movements, sounds, social responses, or changes in routine. These observations should be informative rather than comparative.

A supportive program recognizes that milestones occur within a broad range. Staff members should celebrate progress, communicate any concerns respectfully, and work with families to support the baby’s continued development. This individualized approach helps infants feel secure while building physical, cognitive, social, and emotional skills.

Conclusion

Choosing the right infant care program requires careful attention to safety, caregiver quality, daily routines, communication, and developmental support. A thoughtful comparison can help families identify an environment where their baby will feel secure, receive responsive care, and grow through age-appropriate experiences. The best program should also reflect your family’s values and provide consistent communication throughout your baby’s first year.

To learn more about infant care at Young Scholars Academy, call (719) 522-9099 or visit https://youngscholarsacademycolorado.com/contact-us/.

Is 18 Months the Perfect Time to Start Preschool?

June 29, 2026 by Jordan Leave a Comment

Is 18 Months the Perfect Time to Start Preschool? Why This Age Is Full of Opportunity

For many parents, 18 months feels like a crossroads.

Your little one isn’t quite a baby anymore, but they certainly aren’t a “big kid” either.

They’re climbing everything in sight, repeating new words every day, insisting on feeding themselves, and beginning to show a personality that’s larger than life.

Many parents ask us:

“Is my child too young for preschool?”

Our answer is often the opposite.

Eighteen months is one of the most exciting—and beneficial—times to introduce a child to a high-quality childcare or preschool program.

Your Baby Is Growing Into a Toddler

It’s completely normal to look at your 18-month-old and still see the tiny baby you brought home from the hospital.

But something remarkable is happening.

Your child is beginning to crave independence.

They’re learning to make choices.

They’re curious about everything.

They’re watching other children.

They’re absorbing language like a sponge.

This stage isn’t about taking them away from you.

It’s about giving them opportunities to discover what they’re capable of—with loving teachers by their side and you cheering them on every step of the way.

Why Starting Childcare Around 18 Months Can Be So Beneficial

Social Skills Begin to Bloom

At 18 months, children begin noticing other children in new ways.

While they may not be playing cooperatively just yet, they are learning by watching, imitating, and interacting.

In a quality preschool environment, toddlers begin practicing:

Taking turns
Using simple words to communicate
Following routines
Building friendships
Developing empathy
Learning alongside peers

These everyday interactions help lay the foundation for future social success.

Language Development Takes Off

One of the biggest developmental leaps around 18 months is language.

Children are constantly listening, repeating, pointing, singing, and learning new vocabulary.

A preschool classroom is filled with opportunities to expand language through:

Story time
Songs and music
Conversations
Sign language
Sensory play
Dramatic play
Everyday routines

The more meaningful conversations children experience, the stronger their communication skills become.

Independence Builds Confidence

Have you noticed your toddler insisting on doing everything themselves?

“I do it!”

While it can make mornings take a little longer, this is actually wonderful.

Learning to:

Wash hands
Put toys away
Feed themselves
Carry their own backpack
Help clean up
Make simple choices

teaches children something even more valuable than the task itself.

It teaches them:

“I can do hard things.”

That confidence carries into every stage of childhood.

Preschool Helps Build Routines

Toddlers thrive on predictable routines.

Daily schedules help children feel secure while learning what comes next.

Circle time.

Outdoor play.

Meals.

Naps.

Music.

Learning centers.

Transitions become easier because children know what to expect.

These routines also make the transition into preschool, Pre-K, and kindergarten much smoother.

Toilet Learning Starts With Readiness

Many parents are surprised to learn that successful toilet learning often begins before children ever sit on the potty.

In toddler classrooms, children observe bathroom routines, learn hygiene habits like handwashing, build independence with dressing skills, and become familiar with the process—all without pressure.

When children show signs of readiness, families and teachers can work together to create a consistent approach.

The result is often a smoother, less stressful toilet-training experience.

Learning Through Play Is Real Learning

Sometimes parents worry preschool means sitting at desks.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

At Young Scholars Academy, toddlers learn through purposeful play.

Every block tower builds problem-solving skills.

Every finger painting activity strengthens fine motor development.

Every dance party improves coordination.

Every story builds vocabulary.

Every outdoor adventure develops confidence.

To a toddler…

Play is learning.

It’s Okay to Let Your Child Spread Their Wings

One of the hardest parts of parenting is realizing your child is ready for more independence than you are.

That’s okay.

You will always be their safe place.

Preschool doesn’t replace that bond—it strengthens it.

Children return home excited to show you what they’ve learned, eager to tell you about new friends, songs they sang, and discoveries they made.

Their world grows a little bigger, while your connection remains just as strong.

Preschool Benefits Parents, Too

Starting preschool isn’t just good for children.

It can also help parents.

Knowing your child is spending the day learning, exploring, making friends, and being cared for by experienced educators provides peace of mind.

Many parents find they enjoy more meaningful evenings together because daily routines become more consistent, children are engaged throughout the day, and family time becomes focused on connection instead of constant stimulation.

Why Families Choose Young Scholars Academy

At Young Scholars Academy, we believe every child deserves a place where they feel safe, loved, challenged, and celebrated.

Our toddler program is designed specifically for curious 18-month-olds who are ready to explore, build confidence, and begin developing the academic, social, emotional, and life skills that prepare them for future success.

Because childhood isn’t something we rush.

It’s something we nurture.

Ready to Watch Your Toddler Thrive?

If you’ve been wondering whether now is the right time to introduce your 18-month-old to preschool, we’d love to show you what makes Young Scholars Academy different.

Schedule a tour, meet our teachers, and experience how a loving, play-based environment can help your toddler grow in confidence, independence, and joy—one discovery at a time.

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

June 25, 2026 by Jordan Leave a Comment

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.