AT&T Wins $4 Million Networking Deal From Childtime Learning Centers Inc.

AT&T solution standardizes network, sets stage for Childtime to utilize leading-edge technology for centers and families

NOVI, Mich. -- AT&T announced today it has won a two-year, $4 million networking contract from Childtime Learning Centers Inc., one of the nation's leading providers of childcare and preschool educational services, to integrate and standardize communications at 340 center locations across the United States.

With this contract, AT&T displaces MCI as Childtime's primary network services provider.

AT&T will provide a wide-area network (WAN), integrating Childtime's headquarters and 340 company-owned locations operating under the Childtime and Tutor Time Learning Centers brands. The WAN is based on frame relay service. Additionally, AT&T Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) access will be provided to more than 150 sites.

"Since acquiring Tutor Time Learning Systems in 2002, we've worked toward standardizing our network so we can implement Web-based applications across all our locations to make them the most technologically advanced in the childcare industry," said Bill Davis, Childtime CEO. "AT&T's networking expertise and ability to quickly scale capabilities to meet our growing needs make this a great fit."

The AT&T solution provides Childtime and Tutor Time Learning Centers with secure, high-speed online connectivity, helping the company manage and process a higher volume of business-performance data, such as center-based human resources and financials, than previously possible.

With the increased network capacity, the company will implement several new Web-based applications that will open the door for new technology innovations and educational opportunities for center staff, children and families. Childtime is developing a new parent portal that will enable families to have instant online access to their children's progress at the centers throughout the day, such as tracking planned activities and meals, instant messaging with their children and teachers, participating in discussion groups with other parents, and paying bills online.

AT&T will provide managed hosting services for the company's external Web sites, internal intranet and Web-based applications at the Chicago-area AT&T Internet Data Center (IDC). AT&T operates 21 IDCs around the world and plans to open additional centers this year in Frankfurt, Paris, Tokyo and London.

Under the contract, AT&T also will provide long-distance voice services to all Childtime and Tutor Time locations, and local service at sites within AT&T's local service footprint. AT&T will consolidate the company's voice services using its industry-leading AT&T Business Network (ABN), an integrated offer, which unifies multiple communications needs into a single contract, with a single bill and provides discounts across all services. A significant advantage of ABN is its eServicing capabilities, which are provided by the award-winning AT&T BusinessDirect®, a Web-based tool. Using AT&T BusinessDirect, authorized employees can increase Childtime's internal business efficiencies by using a secure on-line portal to manage and monitor their network, create and track trouble tickets, manage account structures and pay their bills, and implement network service orders.

About Childtime Learning Centers, Inc.

Childtime Learning Centers, Inc. is the parent company of Tutor Time Child Care/Learning Centers and Childtime Learning Centers. As the nation's premier childcare provider, the company has grown into a network of centers operating in 23 states and the District of Columbia. For more information on Childtime, please call Customer Support at 866-244-5384 or visit www.childtime.com. For more information on Tutor Time, please call 1 -- Tutor-Time -- 1 or visit www.tutortime.com.