The Ultimate Guide to Lakeshore Learning: Secrets Revealed!
Introduction
Lakeshore Learning Materials has established itself as a cornerstone in the educational resources industry, renowned for its commitment to quality, inclusivity, and innovation. Founded in 1954, the company has grown from a small toy store in California to a leading provider of educational materials across the United States. This report delves into the history, philosophy, product offerings, and customer experiences associated with Lakeshore Learning, providing a comprehensive overview of what makes this company a leader in its field.
History and Evolution
Lakeshore Learning Materials was founded by Ethelyn Kaplan in 1954, initially as a toy store on Lakeshore Avenue in Oakland, California. The store's transition to educational materials was inspired by Kaplan's observation of a teacher purchasing multiple puzzles, which highlighted a demand for educational products. This shift in focus led to the establishment of a new company in San Leandro, California, dedicated to educational resources. Over the years, the company has expanded significantly, now operating over 60 stores in 29 states and employing more than 2,000 people (Wikipedia).
The leadership of Lakeshore Learning has remained within the Kaplan family, with Ethelyn's sons, Charles and Michael, joining the company in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 2009, her grandson Bo Kaplan became CEO, and in 2023, he transitioned to Executive Chairman, with Charles Best taking over as CEO (Wikipedia).
Educational Philosophy
At the heart of Lakeshore Learning's success is its educational philosophy, which emphasizes active, engaging, and hands-on learning. This approach is deeply rooted in educational psychology and developmental theories from experts like Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky, who advocated for interactive, experience-based learning, particularly in early childhood. Lakeshore Learning's products are designed to align with these ideas, providing children with opportunities to explore, manipulate, and interact with materials in ways that stimulate cognitive, social, and emotional growth (School Drillers).
The company is also committed to inclusivity and diversity, offering materials that cater to different learning styles, languages, and cultural backgrounds. This approach ensures that all learners, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can find tools that help them succeed (School Drillers).
Product Offerings
Lakeshore Learning's product range is diverse, extending across various subjects and developmental areas. The company's offerings include:
-
Classroom Furniture & Storage Solutions: Lakeshore provides ergonomically designed furniture for young learners, including desks, chairs, and shelving units. These pieces are durable and aim to create an inviting and efficient learning environment. Storage solutions are also available to help teachers and students organize their materials effectively (School Drillers).
-
Early Childhood Resources: The company offers a wide range of resources for early childhood education, designed to support cognitive, social, and emotional development. These resources are suitable for use in schools, early childhood centers, and homes (School Drillers).
-
Educational Materials & Furniture Solutions: Lakeshore's products are meticulously crafted to help children reach developmental and academic milestones. The company offers furniture designed for various learning spaces, from infant and toddler environments to childcare centers and libraries (OMNIA Partners).
Customer Experiences
Customer reviews of Lakeshore Learning are mixed, reflecting both positive and negative experiences. On Trustpilot, the company has a rating of 3.3 out of 5 stars, with 64% of reviews being 5-star and 36% being 1-star. Positive reviews often highlight the quality of products and excellent customer service. For instance, one customer praised the store for its timely delivery and recommended it highly (Trustpilot).
However, some customers have reported issues with customer service, particularly when dealing with the company's 800 number. One customer expressed frustration over difficulties redeeming a $5 reward, which required multiple calls and interactions with customer service representatives to resolve (Trustpilot).
Commitment to Inclusivity and Diversity
Lakeshore Learning is known for its focus on inclusivity, offering a diverse range of products that cater to different learning styles, abilities, and backgrounds. The company provides bilingual resources and tools for special education, ensuring that all children have access to quality education. This commitment to inclusivity is a key factor in Lakeshore Learning's reputation as a leader in the educational materials industry (School Drillers).
Professional Development and Support
In addition to its product offerings, Lakeshore Learning provides workshops aimed at professional development for educators. These workshops focus on key areas such as curriculum design, classroom organization, and effective use of learning materials. Parents are also encouraged to attend workshops that focus on supporting learning at home. The company offers tips on setting up a productive learning environment at home and provides at-home learning kits designed for specific developmental stages (School Drillers).
Recent Developments and Initiatives
Lakeshore Learning continues to expand its reach and impact in the educational community. In 2023, the company opened its first retail store in Wisconsin, inviting the Milwaukee area to join in the store opening festivities. The company remains passionate about creating materials that foster a lifelong love of learning and recognizes the difference teachers make in children's daily lives (PR Newswire).
Lakeshore Learning has also teamed up with ABC's "Abbott Elementary" to offer a classroom makeover sweepstakes, demonstrating its commitment to supporting educators across the country. This initiative aligns with the company's founding mission of supporting teachers and providing high-quality educational materials (PR Newswire).
Conclusion
Lakeshore Learning Materials has built a solid reputation in the educational industry by providing inclusive, high-quality, and research-supported learning resources. The company's commitment to active, engaging, and hands-on learning, combined with its focus on inclusivity and diversity, sets it apart from competitors. While customer experiences vary, Lakeshore Learning's dedication to supporting educators, parents, and students remains unwavering. As the company continues to grow and innovate, it is well-positioned to remain a leader in the educational materials industry for years to come.
