Primrose Schools® Partnership with Reach Out and Read Adds Up to Million Dollar Impact

Seven years of schools' support helps change childhood literacy outcomes

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Nov 14, 2012, 09:03 ET

ATLANTA, Nov. 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With its 2012 donation of $200,000, Primrose Schools has donated a total of $1,155,754 since the inception of its seven-year partnership with Reach Out and Read, a national nonprofit organization that prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.

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"I want to extend a huge thank you to all the Primrose families and staff who have worked tirelessly over the years to raise money for Reach Out and Read," says Earl Martin Phalen, CEO of Reach Out and Read. "Together, we're making a difference in the lives of millions of young children who are now starting school with a better chance for success."

More than one-third of American children enter kindergarten without the basic language skills they need to learn to read. The partnership with Reach Out and Read has helped reduce this disparity by educating parents about the importance of reading aloud to children. With Primrose's support, the nonprofit organization has distributed more than 250,000 new books through health centers, hospitals and pediatric offices in 27 Primrose communities since 2006.

Research has shown improved literacy outcomes as a result of Reach Out and Read's efforts – parents are four times more likely to read aloud to children, and children enter kindergarten with larger vocabularies, stronger language skills and a six-month developmental edge.

"We all know that the first five years are critical for children's healthy development and future success. We're honored to partner with Reach Out and Read and participate in this significant nationwide effort to impact education outcomes for children," says Jo Kirchner, President and CEO of Primrose Schools. "We look forward to continuing to work together to improve childhood literacy in our communities."

Every year, the 250-plus Primrose schools across the country host Spring Fling events to raise money for the Primrose Children's Foundation, which supports Reach Out and Read and other local and national charitable organizations. Spring Fling engages students, parents, staff, local businesses and the community at large in support of important causes through fun events like book fairs, art sales and carnivals. The event builds on Primrose's character development program to help children internalize a commitment to helping others at an early age. Money raised is pooled and donated to not-for-profit partners to make a significantly larger impact.

To learn more about the national organizations supported by the Primrose Children's Foundation, visit http://www.primroseschools.com/AboutPrimrose/Community.aspx.

About Primrose Schools
Celebrating 30 years of service in 2012, Primrose Schools is the nation's leader in providing a premier educational child care experience in more than 250 schools in 17 states. Primrose partners with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offers an environment that helps children have fun while nurturing Active Minds, Healthy Bodies and Happy Hearts^®.

The Balanced Learning^® system, consistently delivered in all Primrose Schools nationwide, is designed to provide high quality educational experiences to support children's social-emotional, cognitive, creative and physical development. It is made up of an exclusive standards-based curriculum that enables teachers to help children gain the knowledge and skills that will enable them to move successfully from one level of development to the next as well-rounded individuals. The system also offers developmentally appropriate materials and equipment for all classrooms; multiple forms of assessment; and extensive training for teachers.

Primrose is the first early childhood education organization in the country to receive AdvancED Corporation Systems Accreditation under the new Standards for Quality Early Learning Schools. This accreditation ensures all Primrose schools meet the highest quality standards and shows they are continually improving student learning. Primrose Schools stands behind its commitment to deliver an exceptional early childhood experience with the Primrose Guarantee, a parent's assurance of complete satisfaction. For more information, visit PrimroseSchools.com.

About Reach Out and Read
Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based, national nonprofit organization that prepares America's youngest children to succeed in school by partnering with doctors to prescribe books and encourage families to read together. The Reach Out and Read model is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the program has one of the strongest records of research support of any primary care intervention. This year, Reach Out and Read's 12,000 volunteer doctors and nurse practitioners will provide books and critical early literacy advice to 4 million children and their families at nearly 5,000 healthcare locations in all 50 states. For further information, please visit Reach Out and Read's website at www.reachoutandread.org.

SOURCE Primrose Schools