Primrose Schools(R) Steps Up the Fight on Childhood Obesity

ATLANTA, Feb. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Primrose Schools, The Leader in Educational Child Care, is stepping up its fight against childhood obesity with its second annual Family Dance-off, benefiting Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Primrose Schools invites families across the country to submit their 30-second dance videos at FamilyDanceoff.com to compete for cash prizes and a donation to their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/primroseschools/47956/

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110201/MM38856 )

"Dancing is a fun, easy way for families to fight the risk of obesity, enjoy physical activity and spend quality time together," said Dr. Mary Zurn, vice president of education for Primrose Schools. "Dance not only helps even the youngest of children stay active and fit, it is a creative form of self-expression that builds their self-confidence and promotes social, emotional and motor development."

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the national childhood obesity rate has tripled in the last 30 years. The American Journal of Health Promotion reports one in three children under two years old – an age experts call the "tipping point" for later obesity – is overweight. At Primrose Schools nationwide, children learn healthy lifestyle habits through purposeful play and physical activity. The Family Dance-off is part of Primrose's commitment to happy hearts and healthy bodies in each of its schools and communities.

This year, Primrose Schools will donate a total of $65,000 to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals in the top three winning families' hometowns. Families can submit videos from Feb. 1 through March 19. Two finalist families will be selected each week based on the number of votes their video received. The 14 finalist families will then advance to compete during the finalist week from March 20-26.  The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 check and a $30,000 donation to their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital; the second prize winner, $3,000 and Primrose will make a $20,000 donation to their local Children's Miracle Network Hospital; and the third prize winner, $1,500 and Primrose will make a $15,000 donation to a local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.  The winners will be selected by a panel of judges based on the number of votes received during finalist week, creativity, originality and humor.

For full contest rules, visit FamilyDanceoff.com.

About Primrose Schools

Founded in 1982, Primrose Schools is the nation's leader in providing consistent, accredited early childhood education and childcare services in more than 200 schools in 16 states. Primrose School's foundation is based on a dedicated and passionate group of early childhood professionals providing high quality education with a balance of learning, character development and play.  

Primrose School's Balanced Learning® Curriculum blends teacher-directed and child-initiated activities and is consistently delivered in all Primrose Schools nationwide. This exclusive curriculum is standards-based and enables teachers to help children build a foundation of knowledge and skills that will enable them to move successfully from one level of development to the next. Primrose is the first preschool organization in the country to achieve the gold standard in educational accreditation from AdvancED and to require all of its schools to become SACS CASI or NCA CASI accredited.

For more information, visit www.PrimroseSchools.com.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

‏Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds for 170 children's hospitals across North America, which, in turn, use the money where it's needed the most. When a donation is given it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children's Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of its mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at www.CMNHospitals.org.

SOURCE Primrose Schools