Learning Care Group
Early childhood is a critical time for development, as well as a time when children are developing their taste for food. Experts say exposure to a wide range of healthy foods is important at this age, along with plenty of opportunities to run and play. Our early childhood partners like Learning Care Group (LCG) allow parents to send their kids to a healthy environment that will inspire them to make healthier choices for a lifetime.
Back in 2014, the second-largest for-profit childcare provider in North America joined us in a three-year commitment to implement healthier standards in the 1,100+ schools it operates across the country. Through the initial commitment with us, Learning Care Group’s schools – Childtime, Tutor Time, The Children’s Courtyard, Montessori Unlimited, La Petite Academy, Everbrook Academy and Creative Kids Learning Center – worked toward standards for physical activity, limited screen time and offered healthier food and beverages. But Learning Care Group didn’t stop there. Our partner even committed to encouraging breastfeeding of infants and encouraging parents and caregivers to use informational material and/or activities focused on healthy eating and physical activity.
Learning Care Group expanded its 2014 commitment in May 2017 at PHA’s Building a Healthier Future Summit. The childcare provider will now commit to developing physical activity and gardening curriculums to further encourage outdoor and indoor play. Learning Care Group also committed to removing all grain-based desserts and ensuring all grains offered are whole grains.
With more than 130,000 children in its care, Learning Care Group’s commitment will ensure our nation’s youth are able to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
1 million children are served by PHA's early childhood education partners each year