U-GRO Learning Centers has plans to open a childcare center in spring 2022 in partnership with The Giant Co. Conveniently located on the Harrisburg Pike next to The Giant Co.’s headquarters, the center will serve families of the Carlisle, Pennsylvania community. 
“At The Giant Co, everything we do is centered around our purpose of connecting families for a better future,” said Nicholas Bertram, president, The Giant Co. “We know that having access to excellent, high-quality childcare is important to so many families and that’s why we’re excited to be partnering with U-GRO to bring this much-needed resource to the Carlisle community and our team members. Equally important, this new childcare facility represents our commitment to enhancing the community we’ve been proud to call home for nearly 100 years.”
Construction partner Benchmark Construction is slated to officially break ground on the 15,000 square-foot facility this July. Upon opening in spring 2022, the childcare center will provide 10 state-of-the-art learning classrooms, an 1,800 square-foot indoor play space and a custom-designed 12,000 square-foot outdoor playground. Up to 150 children will be served daily through full- and part-time programs for ages 6 weeks to 8 years. Approximately 30 full- or part-time employees are expected to be employed at this location, which will be U-GRO’s second center in Cumberland County and fifteenth in Central Pennsylvania.
“We couldn’t have chosen a more appropriate partner than The Giant Co, who shares U-GRO’s long-standing tradition and commitment to serving Central Pennsylvania communities.” said Greg Holsinger, U-GRO developer and former president and CEO. “We’re confident that this new facility will be an invaluable asset to the Carlisle community and look forward to the long-lasting impact it will have on families for many years to come.”
U-GRO Learning Centers recently joined Learning Care Group’s family of brands at the start of the new year. With more than 900 schools in their portfolio, Michigan-based Learning Care Group is the second-largest for-profit early education and childcare provider in North America. In addition to operating community-based preschool locations, the company’s offerings include a suite of employer solutions with tuition scholarship, subsidy programs, onsite locations and backup care options.
“We’re thrilled to bring our early learning experience to Carlisle families next year and partner with The Giant Co. to provide this benefit to their team members,” said Sean Sondreal, chief marketing officer and head of Employer Solutions at Learning Care Group. “With kindergarten-readiness scores averaging an impressive 94.8 percent over the past five years at U-GRO, we’re confident that our exceptional team of educators and this outstanding facility will provide the best possible start in life for even more children in Central PA.”
