Hidden Gems: Meet Lolita Young of Young Learners Christian Academy Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lolita Young.

Hi Lolita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story really began in 2003 with a simple “yes.” I stepped away from my job after feeling led by the Holy Spirit, and I started caring for children in my home. I didn’t have a big plan—I just knew I had a heart for children and a desire to serve families in a meaningful way.

Growing up, I’ve always been nurturing. Even as a little girl, I naturally took on the role of helping others, looking after younger children, and creating a sense of comfort wherever I was. Looking back now, I can clearly see that God was preparing me for who I am today.

In those early years, it was just a handful of children in my home, but I treated it like something much bigger. I believed every child had purpose, and I wanted to create a space where they felt safe, loved, and truly seen.

After years of consistency, faith, and the support of my family and community, I took a major step. In December 2011, I opened Young Learners Christian Academy with just eight students. That moment meant everything to me—it was proof that something small, when nurtured with faith and dedication, could grow into something impactful.

It hasn’t been a perfect or easy journey. There have been seasons where I had to navigate financial challenges, capacity limitations, and the everyday weight of running a business. But every challenge stretched my faith and reminded me of why I started.

Today, we serve children from infancy through school age, and what I’m most proud of is not just the growth, but the impact. We’ve been able to support families from all walks of life and create an environment where children can thrive.

Along this journey, I’ve also had the opportunity to expand my passion beyond the classroom as an author of two children’s books, More Than Bunny Rabbits and Eggs and I Am Who God Says I Am, a 30-day identity journal designed to help children build confidence, faith, and self-worth. Writing these books has allowed me to pour into children and families in a different, yet equally meaningful way.

Now I’m in a season of continued growth and expansion, while also being intentional about what’s next. I’m focused on strengthening what we’ve already built, serving more families, creating meaningful resources, and deepening our impact in the community. As part of that growth, we are preparing to expand into new areas, including our Junior Entrepreneurship Academy, as the timing aligns.

I’ve learned to trust God’s timing and not rush the process, allowing each step to unfold the way it’s meant to. At the core, my mission is still the same as it was in 2003: to create a safe, loving environment where children can discover the gifts God placed inside of them.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. There have been many seasons where I had to navigate challenges that stretched me both personally and professionally.

One of the biggest struggles has been balancing the financial side of the business while staying true to my mission. I’ve always had a heart to serve families, even those who may not be able to afford quality childcare, so there have been times where I had to make tough decisions to keep the doors open while still honoring that commitment.

Capacity has also been a challenge. There have been so many families in need of care, and it’s not easy having to turn people away when you know they truly need support. That’s been one of the driving forces behind my desire to expand.

Staffing has been another area of growth. Finding and developing a strong, consistent team in childcare is not always easy, but I’ve learned the importance of training, clear expectations, and creating a culture what people feel valued.

And then there are just unexpected moments that comes with running a childcare center-behavioral challenges, parent, concerns, policy changes, and even seasons were enrollment fluctuated and finances became tight. I’ve had to learn how to lead through all of that with grace and consistency.

But through every challenge, I’ve grown. My faith has deepened, my resilience has strengthened, and I’ve learned how to adapt without losing sight of why I started. Every obstacle has pushed me to become a better leader, and this helped shape the vision I have today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Young Learners Christian Academy is a Faith based childcare center in Monroe, Georgia where we serve children six weeks to 12 years of age. We provide all day care, Before, and Afterschool care, and summer programs, all in a safe, loving, and structured environment where children can grow, socially, emotionally, academically, and spiritually.
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What really sets us apart is our heart for families.. We’re not just a childcare center— we’re a support system. We open earlier and close later than most centers because we understand the real needs of working families. Another thing that makes us different is our commitment to accessibility. We’ve made it a priority to serve families of all walks of life, even offering scholarships when we can, because I truly believe that every child deserves Quality Care, regardless of their financial situation.

We’re also very intentional about the environment we create. Our focus is not just on academics, but on the whole child. We pour into children in a way that builds confidence, character, and a sense of purpose. Through things like our reading and literacy program, and daily interactions with caring teachers, we’re helping to shape how children see themselves and what they believe they’re capable of.

Brand wise, what I’m most proud of is the impact. We now have former students who have grown up and are doing amazing things.— some have even come back to work in Childcare themselves. That, to me, is a full circle moment and a true reflection of what we’ve built.

I want people to know that Young Learners Christian Academy was built on Faith, consistency, and a genuine love for children and families. It’s more than just a business— it’s a purpose. And everything we do is centered around creating a place where children feel safe, valued, and inspired to become who God created them to be.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me most happy is, first and foremost, my family. My husband of 39 years has always been by my side. Even in moments when he may not have fully seen the vision God gave me, he has always supported me—and that means everything to me. My children have been a part of this journey from the very beginning and continue to support me even now.

And I definitely can’t forget my five grandchildren—they are truly the heart behind why I do what I do. They remind me every day of how important it is to create environments where children feel loved, supported, and encouraged to grow.

I am also incredibly grateful for my team at Young Learners Christian Academy. They are truly the wind beneath my wings. Their dedication, compassion, and commitment to the children and families we serve have helped shape us into what we are today. This journey has never been one I’ve walked alone—my team shows up every day with purpose, love, and a heart to serve, and that brings me so much joy.

I also find so much fulfillment in seeing the impact we’re making—not just in the lives of the children we serve, but in their families as well. Watching a child grow in confidence, seeing them learn something new, or hearing a parent share how much of a difference we’ve made—those moments mean everything to me. They remind me that what we’re doing is bigger than childcare—it’s purpose work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.younglearnerschristian.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ylcacademy