N.J.'s Littlest Citizens Make a BIG Difference by Donating to Make-A-Wish(R)

The Learning Experience® (TLE®), the nation’s fastest growing early learning academy, in Manalapan, N.J., conducted a Penny War fundraiser to collect funds for Make-A-Wish® New Jersey. In total, the Center collected $200 and presented the funds during a field trip on August 28th, where the students visited the Make-A-Wish® Wishing Place Castle, all-in-part of the academy’s first-of-its-kind philanthropy program and curriculum at the preschool level.

Throughout the month of August, each classroom at TLE® Manalapan participated in a “Penny War” promoting friendly competition in a race to collect the most pennies for Make-A-Wish®, dedicated to granting wishes for children diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses. The Center also hosted an End of Summer Family Fun Night (WHEN?) where Karen Rose, owner of TLE® Manalapan, sat in a dunk tank to raise additional funds for the foundation.

As background, TLE®’s philanthropy curriculum and program was developed in partnership with Make-A-Wish® and was launched with a $500,000 donation from TLE® to the organization. As a result the program, children enrolled at TLE® are no strangers to philanthropic deeds. TLE® students are taught how philanthropy’s core tenets of selflessness, generosity and giving can be applied to their classroom, home life, and community for years to come, and participate each month in philanthropic activities such as the school and baby supplies donation project.

About The Learning Experience®

The Learning Experience® (TLE®) is a leading provider of child care and early education services and the nation’s fastest growing early learning academy for children ages six weeks to five years old. TLE® offers full and part-time services for children and supplemental after-school services for school-age children.

In line with the national emphasis placed on early childhood education during the most crucial years of development (6 weeks to age 8), TLE® incorporates programs that advance cognitive, social and physical activity in its preschoolers. TLE®’s innovative curriculum programs, such as L.E.A.P®, a cutting-edge proprietary approach to learning which has nearly 90 percent of TLE® children graduating preschool reading at a Kindergarten or greater level, are complemented by enrichment programs crucial to advancing learning and overall balance such as philanthropy, baby yoga, music, soccer, and more.

As of February 2014, TLE® has 207 system-wide centers including 126 operating centers (107 franchised and 19 Company-owned) and 81 centers in various forms of development. TLE® is one of the few childcare operators (either Company owned or through a franchise model) that demonstrated positive same-store comparable growth in 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.

For more information, please visit www.thelearningexperience.com.