Company Profile
Learning Care Group is the second-largest for-profit provider of early education and childcare in North America. With more than 1,050 schools under 11 brands, they serve over 165,000 children across the U.S., supported by a workforce of 21,000+ educators and staff.
Supporting a Workforce That’s Always in Motion
Educators at Learning Care Group spend their days in constant motion—lifting, twisting, bending, and carrying. But while the work is rewarding, it’s also physically demanding. The company needed a care solution that could keep pace with its workforce: predominantly women, short on time, and deeply committed to those in their care.
Caring for Children Takes a Physical Toll
Teaching toddlers may be a passion—but it’s also physically demanding. At Learning Care Group, staff work long shifts lifting, twisting, and carrying in unpredictable, often strenuous ways. Unsurprisingly, MSK disorders were rising fast: acute back pain costs alone more than doubled in one year, jumping from $220K to $585K.
Compounding the risk? An almost entirely female workforce (98%), with an average age of 35. This group faced unique physical health needs—including pelvic health—that traditional MSK programs often overlook.
In our centers, our team members are at constant risk of burnout. Some might say they are prone to it.
A Smarter Way to Support a Female Workforce
LCG needed more than a generic PT benefit. Hourly schedules made it difficult for staff to attend in-person care—and any time away meant lost wages. The solution had to be digital, flexible, and tailored to the realities of childcare work.
Sword’s virtual MSK care—and its ability to support both chronic and acute pain, injury prevention, and women’s pelvic health—matched the moment. Through its Thrive and Bloom programs, Sword provided comprehensive coverage for MSK and pelvic health needs—tailored to LCG’s population of active, predominantly female educators. Just as critical, Sword offered outcome-based performance guarantees and clinical support across all key body areas: neck, back, shoulders, knees, and more.
We could see clearly that if we addressed MSK conditions through a condition-management program, we could improve the well-being of a large portion of our population and reduce long-term issues—and spending, as well.
Strong Engagement. Stronger Results.
After launching in June 2021, Sword saw rapid uptake among LCG’s predominantly Millennial workforce. Nearly 5% of eligible employees enrolled—a strong showing for this demographic. Even more striking: 88% completed their course of care, nearly triple the industry benchmark for in-clinic PT.
Our experience with Sword has been nothing but positive, and underscores that we made the right decision in selecting Sword’s digital offering.
Pain scores dropped. Satisfaction surged. And so did ROI.
45%
reduction in pain
74%
reduction in surgery intent
45%
reduction in productivity impairment
2.7x
return on investment
Voices From the Classroom
When I began this program back in April 2021, I was in so much pain. My right ankle was inflamed, swollen, and in pain daily. Then I began the Sword program and within 6 to 8 weeks, I was pain free. This program is great because you can do it in the comfort of your home at your own pace.
With Sword, Learning Care Group transformed how it supports one of the most physically demanding professions in healthcare-adjacent work. By meeting educators where they are—on the floor, in motion, and online—the company didn’t just reduce pain. It uplifted the entire care experience.
