NOVI, MICH., Jan. 13, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Children's good deeds are in the spotlight today as families gather at Childtime, The Children's Courtyard, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited and Tutor Time schools nationwide to take part in Do-Good Celebrations. These special recognition events wrap up the Season of Kindness, a beloved holiday custom at more than 900 Learning Care Group schools helping teach children about giving back, paying it forward and spreading kindness. This year's theme: Growing Good Deeds, inspired by the classic children's book "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.
Throughout the holidays, education experts from Learning Care Group have engaged children in opportunities to develop an understanding of empathy — through teachable moments, by acknowledging good deeds and in other ways. In addition to individual student efforts, classrooms, schools and families have taken part in community service opportunities ranging from visiting "grandmas and grandpas" at senior centers, to conducting coat and toy drives, to sending letters and care packages for soldiers overseas. Children are learning that kindness can include something as simple as giving a hug, getting a towel to help clean up a spill or sharing a box of crayons with a friend.
"We strive to provide our children with a solid foundation for future success and to inspire a lifelong love of learning," said Dr. Susan Canizares, Chief Academic Officer, Learning Care Group. "An essential part of that is developing an understanding of kindness and respect for others."
Teachers at Childtime, The Children's Courtyard, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited and Tutor Time integrate character development in the classroom in ways that are meaningful to children, helping them better understand and learn positive values.
"Learning to be kind is every bit as important as literacy or leading a healthy lifestyle," said Canizares. "We can begin introducing children to empathy during these early formative years, helping them become sensitive to others' feelings and aware that they can have a positive influence on the world around them."
Today's Do-Good Celebrations will also recognize parents along with their children for their active involvement in providing a strong example of compassion and consideration within their families, communities and school environment. Staff will be honored as well for their contributions while working to create a culture of kindness in every school.
With kindness being acknowledged as an area of growing importance for families, Learning Care Group emphasizes empathy as a valuable life skill children need to live, play and work alongside others. The Season of Kindness accentuates lessons and activities provided year-round to help introduce children to thoughtfulness and compassion.
For more information, please visit: www.childtime.com , www.tutortime.com , www.childrenscourtyard.com , www.lapetite.com and www.montessori.com.
About Learning Care Group, Inc.
Headquartered in Novi, Mich., Learning Care Group provides early education and child care services to children ages 6 weeks to 12 years within its portfolio of brands: The Children's Courtyard, Childtime Learning Centers, La Petite Academy, Montessori Unlimited and Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Centers. Learning Care Group operates more than 900 schools (corporate and franchise) across 36 states, the District of Columbia and internationally, and has a system-wide capacity to serve more than 100,000 children. For more information, please visit www.learningcaregroup.com
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