For first-time parent Mayly Tao, one piece of advice followed her everywhere after becoming a mom: sign up early. She shares that she heard it in the delivery room, from family, from other parents trying to navigate the same questions about preschool and early learning in California. Like many families, Mayly quickly realized these decisions rarely happen alone.
Parents lean on grandparents, caregivers, siblings, and trusted friends as they figure out what feels right for their child. Conversations about early learning often become family conversations, shaped by culture, lived experience, and shared hopes for the next generation.
Mayly shares in her post that as the daughter of immigrants, she grew up understanding what education meant to her family, and the opportunity it brought. Now, raising her own child, she sees early learning differently too.
“Now that I’m a mom, I understand why education mattered so much to my family. You want to give your child every opportunity to grow, learn, and have a strong start.”
Through her videos and social media posts, Mayly shares the reality of early parenthood in a way that feels familiar to many California families. The questions. The uncertainty. The small wins. The constant search for information that actually makes sense. Her content resonates because it reflects how families really make decisions. A grandparent sends a post. A caregiver shares advice. A family talks through options together at the dinner table.
Kitchen table level trust matters.
Especially for parents trying to navigate early learning while balancing work, finances, culture, language, and the everyday demands of raising young children.
By sharing her experience, Mayly helped UPK advocate for knowledge. She helped families feel less alone in the process and more confident asking questions, exploring options, and finding support in their communities. Learn more about California early learning options https://cauniversalprek.org/families/.
Follow Mayly Tao’s parenting journey at @maylytao on Instagram.
- View Mayly’s IG reel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DTvXSLpjvgY/
- Mayly Tao Carousel: https://www.instagram.com/p/DUD_G1FlKpY/?img_index=1
