First and only program of its kind to receive national recognition for 10 consecutive years

Portland, Ore. (June 8, 2021) – Champions^®, the nation’s premier private provider of before- and after-school programs, announced today that it earned the prestigious distinction of accreditation by Cognia™, a global education accreditation agency. Accreditation provides third-party validation of the quality and safety of Champions’ program. Champions is the first and only before- and after-school provider with nationwide reach to achieve this esteemed recognition for 10 consecutive years.

Accreditation plays a critical role in quality and continuous improvement. Results are based on a set of rigorous standards and evidence-based criteria collected over months of evaluation. Families, teachers and students also engage in the process by participating in interviews to share their experiences and to provide meaningful feedback about Champions’ processes, systems and curriculum.

“We know that families and children rely on our support now more than ever. It’s our honor and privilege to provide them with a world-class experience they can count on,” said Champions President Dan Figurski. “We continue to pursue accreditation because we strongly believe in the process and its purpose. It inspires a dedication to constant improvement and confirms that we focus on what’s most important for our students, staff and families. Helping parents prepare their school-age children for success in school, careers and life alongside hundreds of schools and school districts is deeply rewarding and we couldn’t be prouder to be a partner with our clients. Earning this recognition shows us that our passion and commitment to doing what’s right is making a powerful impact on young learners and encourages us to aim higher each day.”

KinderCare Education^®, the parent company of Champions, is also committed to achieving accreditation at all of its eligible early childhood learning centers. Nearly 95 percent of its more than 1,500 KinderCare Learning Centers are nationally accredited – more than any other private provider.

All Champions and KinderCare programs continue to operate with industry-leading health and safety practices created in partnership with a panel of doctors and medical experts, the CDC and local health departments to ensure they’re doing everything possible to keep teachers, children and communities safe and healthy.

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About Champions^® Before- and After-School Programs

More than just a before- and after-school program, Champions is a true community partner for schools and hardworking families. As a leading national provider of out-of-school-time learning and education programs, Champions offers kids fun activities in a challenging environment, giving parents peace of mind, and administrators a dedicated partner in delivering high-quality education. For more information, visit DiscoverChampions.

About KinderCare Education^®
KinderCare Education is America’s largest private provider of early childhood and school-age education and child care. KinderCare supports hardworking families in 40 states and the District of Columbia:

• In neighborhoods, with KinderCare® Learning Centers that offer education and child care for children six weeks to 12 years old;
• At work, through KinderCare Education at Work™, providing customized family benefits for employers across the country, including on-site and near-site early learning centers and back-up care for last-minute child care, and
• In local elementary schools, with Champions® before- and after-school learning programs that spark wonder in school-age children.

Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, KinderCare operates more than 1,600 early learning centers and sites. In 2021, KinderCare earned its fifth Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award – one of only four companies worldwide to win this award for five consecutive years. To learn more, visit KinderCare Education or visit us online at KinderCare, on Facebook or on Instagram. For resources, information, and activity ideas for parents and teachers of young children please visit KinderCare.com/blog.