 At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we believe every child’s early years deserve to be celebrated. These first years of life—birth to age five—are not only precious, they are profoundly powerful. During this time, the brain is developing more rapidly than at any other point in a person’s life, forming the building blocks for everything from language and literacy to empathy, problem-solving, and a sense of self.
That’s why Week of the Young Child is so much more than a themed celebration. It’s a national recognition of the importance of early childhood and a reminder of how vital it is to celebrate young children for who they are right now, not just for who they will become. Why Early Childhood Matters The early years are the foundation for lifelong learning and success. Research shows that by age five, a child’s brain has developed up to 90% of its adult size. That development is shaped not just by genetics, but by experiences, relationships, and the environments in which children grow. Early childhood education isn’t just about teaching ABCs and 123s. It’s about helping children build social-emotional skills, strengthen their sense of curiosity, and develop the ability to regulate their emotions and behaviors. It’s about laying the groundwork for how they will relate to others, solve problems, express themselves, and approach the world with confidence. At LCCA, we know that play is the work of childhood. Children learn best when they are engaged, when they feel safe, and when they’re given opportunities to explore and take risks. Through play-based experiences, children strengthen their motor skills, language abilities, critical thinking, and creative expression. Every block tower, pretend tea party, muddy outdoor adventure, or shared story contributes to brain growth and personal development. Why We Celebrate Our Children Too often, the accomplishments of young children go unnoticed. A preschooler may not read a novel or write an essay, but they learn something new every single day. They develop friendships. They learn how to share. They begin to understand how their emotions affect others. They remember a letter, count to ten, tie their shoes, or comfort a friend in need. These are monumental achievements in early childhood development. And they deserve to be recognized. Week of the Young Child gives us the chance to pause and reflect on all the incredible things our children are doing. It reminds us to focus not only on academic benchmarks but on the whole child—emotional growth, self-expression, resilience, creativity, and the development of their unique personalities. When we celebrate our children, we’re not just acknowledging their milestones—we’re sending a powerful message: You are seen. You are valued. You matter. That sense of belonging and recognition is a key ingredient for healthy development. How Children Learn in the Early Years Young children learn through doing. They learn through imitation, observation, repetition, and interaction. They ask questions, test boundaries, and explore their environment with all five senses. At LCCA, we carefully craft our environments and routines to support developmentally appropriate, joyful learning. For example:
The Power of Relationships One of the most important factors in a child’s development is relationships. Children thrive when they feel secure, loved, and supported by the adults around them. At LCCA, our teachers understand that learning cannot happen unless a child feels safe and connected. Through daily routines, positive guidance, and nurturing interactions, we help children build trust, autonomy, and self-confidence. Relationships with caregivers and peers help shape a child’s view of themselves and the world. This is why early childhood educators are not just teachers—they are brain-builders, nurturers, and advocates. Week of the Young Child: A Celebration of Possibility During Week of the Young Child, we embrace a joyful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes early childhood so special. Each day has a unique theme—Music Monday, Tasty Tuesday, Work Together Wednesday, Artsy Thursday, and Family Friday—that reflects how young children learn best. But these days are more than dress-up fun (though we love seeing everyone’s creativity!). Each theme highlights key areas of development:
Advocacy Through Celebration Celebrating children also means advocating for them. Week of the Young Child reminds us that investing in the early years benefits everyone. Studies show that children who attend high-quality early childhood programs are more likely to succeed academically, graduate from high school, and have positive life outcomes. Yet early childhood education often remains underfunded and undervalued. When we celebrate young children publicly, we elevate their voices and shine a light on the need for strong, well-supported early learning systems. We also encourage others—families, policymakers, and community leaders—to prioritize early childhood as a critical investment in our collective future. A Message to Our Children To the children of LCCA and all young learners: You are incredible. You are smart, creative, kind, and brave. You are doing hard things every day, and we are so proud of you. This week is for you—because your voice matters, your learning matters, and you matter. Conclusion Week of the Young Child is a celebration—but it’s also a call to action. It’s a time to recognize the importance of early learning, uplift the professionals who dedicate their lives to it, and most importantly, honor the children who teach us something new every single day. At Las Colinas Children’s Academy, we are proud to be a part of each child’s story. We are committed to providing a warm, play-based, developmentally appropriate environment where children are free to grow, discover, and be celebrated every day—not just this week. Let’s keep celebrating children. Let’s keep believing in the power of early childhood. And let’s keep building a brighter future—one small step, one silly song, one kind moment at a time.
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 This week, as we celebrate Week of the Young Child, we want to take a moment to reflect—not just on what we do every day at Las Colinas Children’s Academy, but why we do it.
We do it for the early morning smiles and sleepy snuggles. We do it for the joy of hearing a child say their first word or write their name for the first time. We do it because these moments are the building blocks of a child’s future. And we do it for you—our families—who trust us with your most precious people. But this week is about more than celebrating the magic of early childhood. It’s also about using our voices to make sure every child and every family gets the support they need to thrive. Why Early Childhood Matters So Much Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five? That means every story we read, every song we sing, every “why?” we answer—it’s all shaping how a child thinks, feels, and learns for life. High-quality childcare gives children the chance to grow in safe, loving, and stimulating environments. But it also gives parents peace of mind, stability, and the ability to work, provide, and plan for their families’ futures. Childcare is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline—for children and for families. But Here’s the Hard Truth Too many families still can’t find or afford quality care. Too many educators—who pour their hearts into this work—are underpaid and overworked. Too many decision-makers still don’t understand just how critical the early years are. That’s why we advocate. That’s why we speak up. Because if we don’t, who will? What Is Advocacy (and Do I Really Have Time for It?) Yes—you do. And it’s simpler than you think. Advocacy just means using your voice to make a difference. It’s telling your story. Sharing your experience. Asking for change. It’s helping others understand why the early years matter so much. And yes, you’re already doing it—by being here, by supporting your child, and by showing up for your school community. 4 Ways You Can Be an Advocate (Even If You’re Super Busy) 1 Tell Your Story Talk about how childcare has helped your child or family. Share with friends, neighbors, or even on social media. 2. Thank a Teacher A simple note or kind word goes a long way. Let educators know their work matters. 3. Stay Informed Follow NAEYC and other early childhood organizations. It’s easier to speak up when you understand the issues. 4. Vote With Kids in Mind Local elections matter. Look for candidates who support family policies, childcare access, and fair pay for teachers. Why This Week Matters We’re so proud to be part of a national movement led by NAEYC Their mission? To ensure every child—regardless of zip code—has access to a strong start in life. This week, we celebrate our children’s creativity, joy, and curiosity. We recognize the dedication of our teachers. And we honor the powerful role families play in early learning. It all matters. You matter. Thank you for being part of our LCCA family. Thank you for showing up for your child—and for the children in our community. Together, we’re not just raising children. We’re raising the future. |
Cynthia RangelCynthia has been working in childcare for nearly a decade and has experience with every age group—from infants and toddlers to preschoolers. She is currently pursuing her master’s degree in early childhood education and serves as the Assistant Director and Social Media Manager at Las Colinas Children’s Academy. Cynthia brings joy and energy into the classroom every day, and loves to read, sing, and dance alongside the children as they learn and grow together. Archives
April 2025
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