A New Leaf is acquiring Phoenix Day in a merger to expand the school’s century-old legacy of protecting and caring for Arizona children. Not only will the merger allow expansion at its Tonto Street campus but will also expand the program to new locations to serve even more children across the Valley in the coming years. The agreement goes into effect January 1, 2018.
Phoenix Day is a vital resource in the Valley, helping children build a foundation for lifelong learning and healthy living. Under the terms of the agreement, Phoenix Day will operate as a subsidiary of A New Leaf, with financial assets and fiduciary management moving to A New Leaf’s parent organization. The combination of A New Leaf and Phoenix Day will ensure a safety net of supportive services and therapeutic programs for children across Central Arizona.
“For more than a century, Phoenix Day has provided high quality early childhood education to Phoenix kids and assisted families across the Valley in accessing health insurance,” said Phoenix City Councilwoman Kate Gallego.
She continued, “I am thrilled that Phoenix Day will be starting 2018 by opening a new chapter in its history through this partnership with A New Leaf. As a mom of a child who attends Phoenix Day, I am confident that this partnership will further strengthen Phoenix Day, and will hopefully bring the organization’s model of success to other parts of the Valley. Our community needs more options for quality early childhood care, and I believe this partnership will help address the large unmet demand.”
Brad Snyder, chair of the board for A New Leaf, said, “We are delighted that Phoenix Day will be a vital part of our life-saving programs. Together, we are committed to improving child welfare and bringing all available resources to impact what is arguably the most critical time in a young person’s life, before age five. Phoenix Day is known for its innovative programs, certified care and bold advocacy on behalf of children in our Valley.”
Speaking on behalf of Phoenix Day, board chair Rebecca Lindgren added, “The addition of Phoenix Day to A New Leaf will bring a rich history of program excellence and close ties to the community through the Health Links program, parenting classes, youth services and business and civic engagement. The synergies in missions and programs between the two organizations makes this a compelling match.”
Phoenix Day is a 102-year institution, providing early childhood education and community development and youth services in Phoenix. Phoenix Day was founded during World War I for widows of veterans who needed childcare while they worked. The organization boasts a cadre of experienced early childhood teachers, education experts, childcare personnel, and youth services staff. The Early Childhood Education and Development Program serves children six weeks to five years of age. The program focuses on each child’s unique characteristics, developmental needs, and interests to support their growth and development.