About Us
Philosophy
At Play & Grow Learning Center, our mission is to support families by nurturing the social and emotional development of every child in our care. We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and loving environment where communication, active engagement, and relationship-building are at the heart of everything we do. Through guided play, intentional interaction, and consistent support, we help children grow into confident, compassionate individuals—while giving parents the peace of mind that their little ones are protected, valued, and thriving every day.
Company History
Although Play & Grow Learning Center officially opened on July 1, 2008, the idea began nearly 13 years earlier when Jason and Angie, then college students in Stevens Point, first discussed opening a child care center. With Jason pursuing a business degree and Angie working toward a teaching degree, the vision felt like a natural fit.
After college, Jason followed a career in retail management, while Angie gained experience in both child care and as a fifth-grade teacher. Over time, Angie returned to early childhood education and worked her way up to Center Director, where she developed a strong understanding of child care regulations and daily operations. In early 2008, Jason was presented with the opportunity to purchase a struggling child care center. Recognizing the potential and recalling the dream they had shared years earlier, they decided to take the leap.
Opening a new center during a major economic recession brought many challenges. Jason and Angie often questioned their decision but remained committed, doing whatever was necessary to keep the center running—including handling cleaning, food shopping, and deliveries themselves. Throughout this time, they focused on building strong relationships with families and continuously improving their staff and programs.
After about a year and a half, their dedication began to pay off. Enrollment increased, and Play & Grow quickly developed a reputation for providing high-quality care. This success led to the opening of a second location in Grand Chute in the fall of 2011. Continued growth resulted in an expansion in 2014, adding three classrooms and a larger gross motor room.
What began as one center has grown into three locations serving the Fox Valley area, making Play & Grow Learning Center the largest child care provider in the region. Now a family-owned and operated business with their children involved, Play & Grow remains committed to its founding philosophy: strong parent partnerships, a high-quality educational environment, open communication, and creating a place where children are excited to learn and grow every day.