Many parents wonder: Do I need daycare now and preschool later?
In high-quality early learning environments, that distinction doesn’t really exist.
“Children don’t suddenly start learning at age three,” says Tricia Olson Pauly, Senior Early Childhood Education Enrichment Specialist at YWCA Minneapolis. “Learning begins from the very start.”
At YWCA Minneapolis, early childhood education supports both care and learning from day one, helping children build the skills they need for school and life.
More Than Care
In some settings, early care focuses primarily on supervision. In a high-quality early childhood education program, care and learning go hand in hand.
Through play and guided experiences, children build language, relationships, confidence, and physical skills while developing problem-solving skills and exploring science and math.
“At YWCA Minneapolis, your child is not only cared for, they’re learning in ways that prepare them for what comes next,” Olson Pauly says.
That preparation shows up in outcomes. 94% of children at YWCA Minneapolis are kindergarten-ready, well above the Minnesota state average. But educators say it’s the underlying skills that matter most: confidence, emotional awareness, and the ability to build relationships.
That approach is backed by strong standards. YWCA Minneapolis early childhood education programs are nationally accredited and meet Minnesota’s highest Parent Aware rating, reflecting a consistent focus on quality, safety, and child development.
Teaching Kindness and Confidence
A key part of the YWCA Minneapolis early childhood approach is the We Care Social Responsibility Curriculum, which helps children understand themselves, others, and their role in the world. It builds on a Parent Aware–rated curriculum that supports children in developing a strong sense of self, appreciating differences, and learning how to treat others with fairness and respect. The goal is to help children grow into confident, kind, and empowered individuals.
In practice, that might look like preschoolers creating notes of kindness for others or learning how to care for their community.
“After a lesson about food access, a parent told us their child wanted to save part of their dinner to give to someone else,” Olson Pauly says. “That’s when you know it’s really connecting.”
When a child participates in a peace march and says, “I was nervous, but I did it because I’m brave” that’s empowerment.
Even infants are learning these foundations.
“When a baby looks at something, we name it. When they cry, we respond,” she says. “We’re showing them their needs, desires, and voice matter. They feel heard, they feel seen, and they feel connected.”
A teacher holds an infant in a YWCA Minneapolis classroom, where early learning begins with care and connection. Credit: YWCA Minneapolis
Skills That Last
YWCA Minneapolis also uses a nationally recognized social-emotional approach to help children learn how to manage emotions and respond to challenges.
Over time, those skills become part of who they are.
Angela Smith, a YWCA Minneapolis Early Childhood Education parent, says she sees those lessons show up at home. “One of the biggest things we have noticed in our children is their strong use of positive affirmations at home. We regularly hear them modeling their teachers through play with positive self-talk. It’s incredibly empowering as parents to see them building that sense of self-worth so early.”
Why It Matters
For families, choosing childcare is about more than logistics. It’s about trust and feeling confident in where your child is spending their day.
“When children learn these skills early, it stays with them,” Olson Pauly says. “It shapes how they show up in school and in life.”
See It in Action
The best way to find the right fit is to see it for yourself. If you’re not sure what to look for, this childcare center checklist can help guide your visit. Bring your questions and experience what a high-quality early childhood education program looks like in action.
Schedule a visit and:
- Step inside classrooms and see learning in action
- Meet teachers and ask questions
- Get a feel for the environment, routines, and daily flow
- Explore locations across Minneapolis and St. Paul
For a limited time, families who enroll by May 4, 2026 can receive one week of free care after 60 days.
Learn more and schedule a tour at ywcampls.org/early-childhood-education.
