The Power of Learning and Development: Lessons from Ms. Rachel and Early Childhood Learning

As a parent and a professional in the field of Learning and Development (L&D), I've often found myself marveling at the parallels between the two worlds—especially in moments when my 18-month-old son is completely captivated by educational content like Ms. Rachel’s YouTube videos. For many parents and caregivers, Rachel Accurso, affectionately known as Ms. Rachel, has become a trusted partner in their child’s early education, offering a rich blend of engagement and learning in a simple, heartfelt way. And for those of us in the L&D space, there are valuable lessons we can draw from her approach to inspire meaningful growth in our own organizations.

1. Engagement is Everything

One of the key strengths of Ms. Rachel's videos is how she captures and maintains the attention of young children. With simple songs, repetitive phrases, and vibrant visuals, she taps into what resonates with her audience. In the world of corporate learning, this is a fundamental principle. Whether it’s onboarding, skills training, or leadership development, how we engage our learners directly influences the success of our programs. Creating content that is not only informative but also enjoyable can make all the difference in knowledge retention and application.

In the same way Ms. Rachel uses play to inspire curiosity and excitement about learning, we too can design learning experiences that foster participation and curiosity. Fun and engagement should not be confined to the realm of childhood learning. Adult learners thrive when they can relate to, interact with, and immerse themselves in their educational journeys.

2. Start With the Basics, and Build from There

Ms. Rachel's content emphasizes foundational learning—things like colors, numbers, and simple words. She meets children where they are developmentally and helps them take the next step forward, one milestone at a time. For organizations, this approach is crucial in building a robust learning and development framework. We can’t expect our teams to leap into advanced concepts without a firm grasp of the basics.

In our professional settings, providing clear, step-by-step learning pathways ensures that individuals develop the confidence and competence to tackle more complex challenges as they grow. Foundational knowledge is not a "one-and-done" deal—it’s something we build on throughout our careers. The beauty of lifelong learning is that it doesn’t matter if you’re at the beginning of your career or leading an organization—everyone benefits from continuous development.

3. Making Learning Accessible

Ms. Rachel is passionate about making education accessible to all children, which is evident in her inclusive approach. Whether it’s through her clear articulation, use of sign language, or gentle pacing, she ensures that children of all learning styles can keep up and thrive. This level of accessibility is just as essential in corporate learning and development.

We have a responsibility to create environments where learning is not only available to all but also accessible to all. This means offering training programs that cater to diverse learning preferences—whether visual, auditory, kinesthetic, or written. It means providing mentorship and guidance for those who need more support. In every organization, the goal should be to level the playing field, ensuring that every employee has an opportunity to succeed.

4. The Power of Connection and Belonging

One of the things that makes Ms. Rachel’s videos stand out is her ability to connect with children on an emotional level. She doesn’t just teach concepts—she speaks to her young viewers in a way that makes them feel seen, valued, and loved. In the corporate world, that same emotional connection is what makes great leaders and impactful learning programs.

Learning and development isn’t just about imparting knowledge—it’s about fostering connection and belonging within an organization. When employees feel emotionally invested, not just in their work but also in their growth, they perform better, collaborate more freely, and contribute more creatively. Much like Ms. Rachel’s gentle approach nurtures a sense of safety in children, our learning environments should cultivate a sense of emotional safety and trust. When people feel they belong, their willingness to learn, grow, and take risks expands.

5. Celebrate Progress—Every Step of the Way

Finally, one of the most heartwarming parts of Ms. Rachel’s videos is how she celebrates even the smallest progress. Whether it’s a child learning a new word or mastering a song, she reinforces that achievement with joy and enthusiasm. In the fast-paced world of corporate development, we often overlook the small victories on the road to bigger goals. But celebrating progress—no matter how small—is a powerful motivator.

In our organizations, this means recognizing and rewarding growth at every level. Whether it’s a team member who has learned a new skill or someone who has taken on a leadership role for the first time, celebrating these milestones fosters a culture of continuous improvement and reinforces the value of learning.

A Lifelong Learning Journey

Ms. Rachel’s educational videos remind us that learning is a lifelong journey—one filled with discovery, joy, and growth at every stage. As Learning and Development professionals, we have the privilege of helping others on that journey. Whether we’re creating programs for new employees or developing leadership training for seasoned professionals, we have the opportunity to make learning an inspiring and transformative experience for everyone.

So let’s take a cue from Ms. Rachel. Let’s build learning experiences that are engaging, accessible, and filled with the same excitement for growth that we see in the eyes of our children. Let’s celebrate every step of progress, big or small, and continue nurturing a culture where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. After all, learning isn’t just for kids—it’s the key to unlocking the full potential in all of us.

As a mom to a young learner and a professional passionate about growth, I’m reminded every day that learning happens everywhere—in our homes, in our workplaces, and in our hearts. Let’s embrace it.