Portland, Ore. (June 27, 2016) – Champions, the nation’s premier private provider of before- and after-school programs, announced today that it has been awarded the prestigious distinction of corporate accreditation by AdvancED, a global leader in advancing excellence in education through accreditation. 

The AdvancED “seal of approval” followed an extensive 18 month process that included interviews with families and teachers and reviews of Champions’ processes, systems and curriculum. KinderCare Education, the parent company of Champions, has made a commitment to achieve accreditation at all of its early childhood learning centers. The company has now achieved accreditation at nearly 95 percent of its over 1,400 KinderCare and CCLC centers – more than any other private provider.

“We’ve chosen to pursue accreditation because we believe so strongly in the process and its purpose: to ensure children receive the highest standards of educational excellence while they are with us,” said Dr. Elanna Yalow, Chief Academic Officer at KinderCare Education. “We’re proud to work alongside hundreds of schools and school districts to help parents prepare their school-age children for success in school, careers and life. This honor is external validation that our programs are making a difference in the lives of our young learners.”

“I congratulate Champions for earning accreditation from AdvancED,” said Dr. Mark Elgart, President and CEO of AdvancED. “Champions’ achievement is evidence of its quality educational programming and services as well as its commitment to AdvancED’s program of continuous improvement.”

About Champions 
Champions is a leading out-of-school time provider of extended learning and education programs for school-age children. Champions programs are offered at more than 425 sites in 16 states and Washington D.C. For more information, visit www.discoverchampions.com. For a virtual tour of one of our sites, visit www.discoverchampions.com/#virtualtour.

About KinderCare Education®
At KinderCare Education, we believe that education creates brighter futures. We are passionate about creating a world of learning, joy, and adventure for more than 160,000 children every day. Our devoted family of education providers leads the nation in accreditation and includes KinderCare® Learning Centers, KinderCare Education at Work™, Champions® Before- and After-School Programs, Cambridge Schools™, Knowledge Beginnings® and The Grove School®. To learn more, visit us online at http://kc-education.com/.