For 40 years, teachers at U-GRO have been providing high-quality childcare to infants, toddlers and preschoolers in Pennsylvania.
Beginnings
In 1973, Janice Holsinger founded the first U-GRO Learning Centre in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Janice’s dream was to incorporate her background in music and art into a positive educational program for young children. Working with a local church and teachers who shared her passion for helping children grow and develop into bright young students, Janice created a community of engaged parents and children at U-GRO.
Looking back, Janice says, “In the beginning of U-GRO Learning Centres, it was our desire to encourage positive attitudes and behavior in children, with the use of positive communication methods. We noticed a cooperative spirit and positive energy from the children. This became contagious with the parents, liking what they observed in their children.”
Growth
After joining his mother’s enterprise in 1994, Greg Holsinger led U-GRO on the path to become the premier provider of early childhood and preschool education in south central Pennsylvania by focusing on innovative education, service, modern facilities and high performing teams. Four decades after the first Learning Centre opened its doors, U-GRO boasts 12 locations that currently serve more than 1,400 children in the area.
Greg’s leadership, combined with Janice’s passion and unique curriculum, has earned U-GRO the distinction of being voted the Best Childcare Provider by area families in both Central Penn Parent Magazine and Lancaster County Magazine for six years running.
Commitment
Only true commitment can bring a company the growth and reputation that U-GRO has garnered over 40 years. U-GRO has appeared on the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies every year since 2009 and was named one of the Top 50 Fastest Growing Companies by the Central Penn Business Journal in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Our facilities and teachers reflect both our four decades of experience in childcare and our dedication to providing the most modern amenities and education. The goal at every U-GRO Learning Centre is to provide the highest-quality experience for you and your child, allowing your family to engage in our Blended Model® curriculum at home and school.
“Through our Resource Library, we would like to share our methods of communications, self-esteem and discipline with you as we continue to honor your family and respect your child,” says founder Janice.
U-GRO built upon their early success developed the Blended Model® curriculum specifically for U-GRO Centres. By incorporating age-appropriate activities that balance teacher-led learning experiences and child-led discovery activities, the Blended Model® facilitates the development of your child’s cognitive, physical, social and emotional capacities and prepares your child for kindergarten.
Additionally, the Blended Model® uses a positive behavioral approach to encourage your child to be engaged and confident in everything they do, while recognizing the unique nature of each individual. At U-GRO, our goal is to promote the growth of the whole child.
U-GRO Centres and teachers combine this passion for unique, holistic early childhood education with the utmost commitment to safety. All of our facilities are equipped with secure touch screen sign-in systems and fenced-in playgrounds, and our teachers are always attentive to the children in their care.
Our newest school, U-GRO at Hershey.
The U-GRO Experience
With four decades of demonstrated excellence in early childhood and preschool education, U-GRO continues to set the standard for early education among Central Pennsylvania families. Browse our Why U-GRO page to find out more about our unique curriculum and to hear from parents whose children are enrolled at our centers, or visit our Locations page to find the U-GRO nearest you!
