Innovative Toy Maker LeapFrog Makes Literacy DayCommitment; LeapFrog Supports National Adult...

EMERYVILLE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 8, 1998--In recognition of International Literacy Day, LeapFrog, maker of interactive learning toys, is donating Hug & Learn Little Leap toys and Phonics Desk learning systems to the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC).

These interactive toys provide a fun learning opportunity for parents to help their children gain a solid literacy foundation, giving them a jumpstart on the long road of education.

"LeapFrog is dedicated to creating toys that encourage children and parents alike, to leap into learning. I believe that by our company donating these toys to NAEPDC we're helping parents, children and society by investing in our future," said Mike Wood, president and founder of LeapFrog. In the past, LeapFrog has formed educational partnerships with the Riordan Foundation, Reading Alabama, and Omaha Public Schools.

"The NAEPDC is happy to accept this donation from LeapFrog on behalf of the State Directors of Adult Education. Outstanding teachers who are meeting at a National Forum on Adult Education and Literacy in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 8-11 will be recipients of LeapFrog's donation," said Mary Ann Jackson, chair of NAEPDC's executive committee.

Hug & Learn Little Leap is a huggable talking and teaching plush frog that uses songs and games to teach the alphabet, phonics, counting and colors. LeapFrog's award-winning interactive electronic Phonics Desk is a multisensory learning system that combines touch, sight and sound to teach the alphabet, phonics, spelling and reading.

The National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium was created in 1990 to advance the leadership of the State Directors of Adult Education throughout the United States and territories. NAEPDC serves as the leading voice for adult education programs in the nation. LeapFrog's donation will be earmarked for distribution to the State Directors of Adult Education and adult education teachers from around the nation.

State administered adult education and literacy programs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and territories. More than four million adults are served annually in adult basic education, English as a second language, and adult secondary education courses. These state administered programs help increase literacy and prepare adults for success as contributing members of our society through work, community and family-based programs.

LeapFrog was founded by Mike Wood after developing the company's patented Phonics Learning System as a means of teaching his young son how to sound out letters and words. The company has expanded its interactive educational offerings in recent years to include math-, music-, and science-based toys in addition to its phonics- and reading-based toys.

All LeapFrog products incorporate proven educational curricula developed with Dr. Robert Calfee, Ph.D., a professor emeritus at Stanford University's School of Education. Since being founded in 1994, LeapFrog has received more than 20 awards for its products from notable institutions such as the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio, CBS News, Business Week, Dr. Toy, Family Fun magazine, and the Toy Manufacturers of America.

The company's high-quality educational products are marketed and sold throughout the United State and internationally.

LeapFrog is a division of Knowledge Kids Enterprises Inc., a wholly own subsidiary of Knowledge Universe, a global education company dedicated to building businesses that help all individuals of all ages develop new skills in the pursuit of lifelong learning.

Knowledge Universe was established in 1996 by Larry Ellison, Michael Milken, and Lowell Milken. Tom Kalinske, president of Knowledge Universe and chief executive officer of Knowledge Kids Enterprises, is a toy industry Hall of Famer and former CEO of Mattel Toys and Sega of America.

    CONTACT:  NAEPDC, District of Columbia
               Judy Koloski, 202/624-5250
               www.naepdc.org
                  or
               The Pollack PR Marketing Group
               Stefan Pollack, 310/556-4443
               ppmg@aol.com
               www.leapfrogtoys.com