Joshua LaGrow, Executive Director
1. What are some of the programs/services that Learn As You Grow offers?
Learn As You Grow is a family owned and operated business here in Central New York. We’ve been in business for almost 40 years. We provide early education childcare services for infants through school-age, and we also participate with the school districts to provide universal pre-kindergarten (UPK) to children prior to them going to kindergarten.
2. Can you tell us a little about your staff?
We have an amazing group of staff and teachers that work for our company. Some of our staff have been with us for decades – and that’s unheard of. During the COVID pandemic, we were so proud of our staff. We remained fully open and operational, and it was because of the staff. It was because of the teachers we had in the classrooms working with the children. They really committed themselves to continuing early education, even during the pandemic.
3. What sets you apart or makes you unique?
We have a family approach. When you work for our company, we take a very hands-on approach as a management group. We take a very hands-on approach with our families, and I think people feel that investment in them as staff and teachers – and in return, make that same investment in the classrooms with the children and the families.
4. Is there anything else you would like FT readers to know about Learn As You Grow?
We value these staff so much. And it’s because of that, I think, that people stay. Liz has been with us for almost a decade. Janet has been with us a couple decades. In childcare, the turnover rate is super high and when you talk about a childcare center that has staff that has worked five through 25 years at one company, that’s unheard of…We will continue to let them know how much we value and support them. And if anybody else wants to come work for a company like that, we are hiring.
Elizabeth Case, Camillus UPK Teacher
1. Can you tell us a little about your background in this area?
I worked at the Chittenango Early Childhood Center and with my grandmother, who had a home daycare.
2. How long have you been at Learn As You Grow Child Care Centers? What is your role?
I have been at Learn As You Grow for almost eight years, and am a Lead UPK Teacher.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy the conversations I have with the children. They are funny and keep me laughing.
Janet Bushey, Solvay Toddler Teacher
1. Can you tell us a little about your background in this area?
I have been working with children for 35 years through Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church nursery and childcare.
2. How long have you been at Learn As You Grow Child Care Centers? What is your role?
24½ years with Learn As You Grow, lead toddler teacher three.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love working with children and families. I like watching the children grow, develop and achieve new skills. The bonds you build with children last a long time, even after they grow up and leave your classroom.
