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Learning Express Expands Skill Builders Initiative

By: Learning Express |  0 Shares     109 Reads

Learning Express Toys Expands Skill Builders for Children with Special Needs Initiative

Educational Toy Retailer Now Offers Families and Caregivers Custom Toy Recommendations In-Store

Devens, MA - April 25, 2013 - In September 2012 Learning Express Toys introduced the Skill Building Toy Guide, an online magalog featuring expert-approved developmental toys in eight categories, helpful articles, and insight from parents of kids with special needs. Now, in addition to browsing the Toy Guide for ideas, customers can speak with a staff member at their local store to receive tailored toy recommendations.

“A grandmother came into the store looking for toys for her granddaughter who has suffered a traumatic brain injury,” said Leslie, Manager of Learning Express Toys of Wilmington. “I asked— what is your granddaughter interested in, what gets her to light up? And it was music. I suggested the Neurosmith Musical Touch. A couple months later the customer came back raving about it. She knows she has a place to come that understands her, her granddaughter, and their needs.”

Learning Express staff members work with customers to determine a child’s interests, developmental level, and goals. They can then make suggestions for toys in one or more of the Skill Builders categories: Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Language and Speech, Cognitive, Visual and Spatial Perception, Social Skills and Self-Esteem, Sensory Processing, and Oral Motor Skills.

“The customers appreciate it,” said Holly Witte, Manager of Learning Express Toys of Shreveport, LA. “I feel like we are their trusted advisors. One customer told me, ‘I can’t go anywhere else and get this service for my child who has autism.’ It’s hard to find places that cater to them.”

While the Skill Builders service offers suggestions for children with special needs, the inclusive play toys also appeal to children of all abilities—making it possible for parents to shop for all of their children in in one place.

Learning Express staff members often get creative when helping parents find the right toy. “A child may be working on his language skills but not seeing progress because he has trouble focusing when using a traditional alphabet set,” said Colleen Hendon, Manager of Learning Express Toys of Roseville. “We’ll brainstorm techniques to make the toy more interesting for the customer. What if Mom hid the alphabet letters in rice or sand and the child went on a scavenger hunt to find them? Adaptive play can help children reach their goals.”

Customers can stop into their local Learning Express Toys to learn more, or find Learning Express on social media. Many locations regularly post tips, advice, and blog posts on their social platforms. Many stores offer a 10% discount for special needs professionals.

To learn more about the initiative please visit our updated website:
http://www.learningexpress.com/skill-building/

About Learning Express

Learning Express is the nation’s leading franchisor of educational toy stores with more than 130 locations across the country, each one locally owned and operated. Learning Express provides an extraordinary shopping experience with knowledgeable sales staff who can offer expert advice on choosing the perfect toy, for every child, for every occasion. The Learning Express product mix is carefully selected from manufacturers around the world and each toy has exceptional play value. A birthday gift registry, free gift wrapping, free personalization, civic fundraising, and customer VIP programs make each Learning Express store an integral part of its community.

For more information, interview requests, and media inquiries, please contact Kathryn Blanchflower at 978-889-1087 or at kathryn@learningexpress.com.

To learn more about Learning Express, franchise opportunities, or a store near you, visit learningexpress.com.

SOURCE Learning Express

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