Primrose Schools National Open House Event Opens Doors to Early Language Learning

ATLANTA, July 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Primrose Schools, The Leader in Educational Child Care^®, is celebrating summer with a unique National Open House Event, taking place at all 260-plus Primrose schools across the country on Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110525/NY08237LOGO )

The early literacy celebration is part of a collaboration among Primrose Schools, Reach Out and Read, and Scholastic to share the importance of teaching children to learn to read and love to read. The National Open House encourages all parents to join Scholastic's global literacy campaign, Read Every Day. Lead a Better Life., which supports every child's right to read and be successful in school and in life. The campaign website provides free resources, videos, and activities to help children read every day.

Families from each community will enjoy interactive story reading and play time and have the opportunity to learn more about the Primrose Experience. The first 25 families at each Primrose school will take home a special gift bag, complete with the Scholastic books featured at the event.

"Studies have shown that early literacy is a predictor of future success for children, from entering kindergarten with larger vocabularies and stronger language skills, to being prepared for adult life," said Jo Kirchner, President and CEO of Primrose Schools. "Together with Scholastic and Reach Out and Read, we're encouraging parents to promote the importance of reading and connect with their child at our National Open House."

The National Open House Event is part of the company's early learning advocacy to educate parents on the importance of early literacy for all children in their first five years. Research from the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University shows that language and literacy skills develop best in a stimulating environment where children and adults engage in back and forth, or "serve and return," interaction. As adults "serve" words, children "return" with sounds and their brains light up with neural activity that leads to learning.

For more interactive ways to infuse fun and make the most out of reading time with your child, enjoy this video and use the following tips from Dr. Gloria Julius, Vice President of Education and Professional Development for Primrose Schools:

Make books accessible. Read with your child every day. Make it a habit to end each day with "story time" and quiet, interactive communication before going to bed. Keep a variety of books in a place where they are easy to reach, and make sure the space is inviting and comfortable.

Read Favorites. Don't be afraid to read their favorite book for the 100^th time. When children have repeated fun with books, it strengthens language development and positive associations with reading. Encourage your child to "read" her favorite book to you, too.

Ask Questions. Encourage your child to give you his opinion. Ask him 'Why do you think…?' questions. Not only will this build language skills and keep him engaged, but you'll gain insight into his thought process!

Enjoy it. Your child takes cues from you by observing and listening, and reading is no exception. Talk about how much you look forward to "story time." Read to your child with humor and expression. By using different voices and keeping it engaging, you'll create positive experiences that will shape her thoughts about books and reading.

To increase awareness for the National Open House Event, Primrose will offer Facebook and Pinterest promotions. From July 1 – 31, prospective and current families will have the opportunity to win a one-year scholarship to their local Primrose school by entering the Facebook Scholarship Sweepstakes. From June 21 to July 19, families can enter the Pin It to Win It Dream Reading Corner contest to build their child's dream library. The grand prize winner will receive a child's reading chair and bookshelf filled with $1,500 worth of great age-appropriate Scholastic titles.

For a list of Primrose schools in your area, please visit www.PrimroseSchools.com. Detailed information about the event is also available at www.PrimroseSchools.com/our-schools/open-house.

About Primrose Schools®

Founded in 1982, Primrose Schools is the nation's leader in providing a premier educational child care experience in more than 260 schools in 17 states. Each Primrose is independently owned and operated by our Franchise Owners. They partner with parents to help children build the right foundation for future learning and life, and offer 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 www.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 and nurses to prescribe books and encourage families to read together.  Reach Out and Read currently serves one-third of the most impoverished children in the United States. 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 6.5 million new books to more than 4 million children at 5,000 healthcare locations in all 50 states. For further information, please visit Reach Out and Read's website at www.reachoutandread.org.  

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation is the world's largest publisher and distributor of children's books and a leader in educational technology and related services and children's media. Scholastic creates quality books and ebooks, print and technology-based learning materials and programs, magazines, multi-media and other products that help children learn both at school and at home.  The Company distributes its products and services worldwide through a variety of channels, including school-based book clubs and book fairs, retail stores, schools, libraries, on-air, and online at www.scholastic.com.

SOURCE Primrose Schools