Bennion Learning Center offers even more than what parents see on paper—yes, the center is conveniently located, with a large outdoor play space, clean and modern classrooms, great teacher-to-student ratios, and reasonable rates. But beyond all that, the center offers something a little less tangible, and even more important: kids really thrive here.
Here, kids learn, grow, and play. They’re nurtured, nourished, and loved. They develop healthy relationships with their peers and teachers, and they acquire social skills that will serve them throughout their lives. They learn the power of working in a group, participating in a larger community, serving others, and taking care of their surroundings and environment. And they learn that confidence, patience, and character will help them navigate just about any problem.
Bennion Learning Center is locally owned by Mr. Lance Stewart. He takes a very hands-on approach in his management of the center’s daily goings-on. He know that if he takes great care of his staff, they staff will be well equipped to take great care of the children. And, supported by their experienced school director, Ireland Wilson, Mr. Stewart takes pride in helping kids learn, grow, and be their best selves.
I really appreciate the director always trying new things to improve the center, and teachers who are always willing to work with the parents whenever issues arise. The center is always clean and cheerful, and everyone says “Good morning” and uses the child’s name when they walk through the door.
Jamie, BLC parent
Lance Stewart
LSJ Capital
Draper Utah
Owning Bennion Learning Center is a dream come true for us in so many ways. Lance has always been passionate about helping children succeed. He has taught children of all ages in four different countries, in both traditional classrooms and other non-traditional settings. He also has had many experiences as a successful entrepreneur and in the public policy/political space, including time spent as an education policy consultant for Governor Herbert. He has a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a Master of Business Administration, and a Juris Doctorate, all from BYU. Erica, Lance’s wife, is originally from Olympia, Washington. She earned her degree in Sociology from BYU and loves to volunteer. Some of the places she has volunteered include Habitat for Humanity, the Kaiizen Foundation where she worked at an orphanage in Mexico, Slate Canyon Youth Center where she counseled incarcerated youth who were preparing to be released, and several elementary schools where she helps out in her children’s classrooms.
Including Bennion Learning Center, the Stewart family owns and operates 3 child care centers throughout Northern Utah, a Micro-school in Draper, and a trampoline park in Provo.
Ireland Wilson, Director
Ireland grew up in Kearns, Utah. She has two adorable children, and has been working at Bennion Learning Center since 2022. Starting her career in child care in 2010, Ireland has worked her way up starting as an infant caregiver on up to a director of two centers. Along the way Ireland has continued her education in ECE; earning a National Administrator Credential in 2022 and her Child Development Associate Certification in 2024.
Ireland believes that a strong foundation in childcare is trust. When children trust you they are more comfortable and are ready to learn and grow. Ireland’s love for ECE has only grown as she continues on. Starting from a seed with the love of caring for and teaching young children and blossoming into guiding and teaching the caregivers of the center.
Tazia Paulson, Assistant Director
After graduating in 2007, Tazia went to school to become a CNA. She has been at Bennion Learning Center for 12 years working with all age groups and leads the center as the Assistant Director. Tazia also works with adults with autism and special needs some nights and weekends. Her personal education philosophy is that she believes all students are unique in their own way. They should be loved and accepted for who they are. All students should be treated with respect and encouraged to treat others the same way.
Tazia’s three children are her inspiration as they help her strive to be a better person. She has a deep love for PINK and could max out her credit card at the store.
Perla Ventura-Chico, Administrator
Perla was born in Portland, Oregon and moved out to Utah with her family where she graduated in 2018 from Hunter High School. Other than being an awesome caregiver and office administrator, Perla has experience as a dispute analyst and as a caregiver for adults with disabilities. She loves working with children because they are full of curiosity about everything and they find joy in the simple things in life. Children teach us playfulness and happiness. Perla finds inspiration from her mom as she showed compassion, kindness and was understanding to everyone she crossed paths with.
Perla brings a lot of enrichment to Bennion by planning parent engagement events and activities and supporting staff as we continually strive for quality care in our center.
Skylar Whitney, Cook
Skylar was born and raised in Utah. Graduating in 2005 from Cottonwood High School. Having worked in many different jobs, Skylar has been our amazing cook for the past three years. She provides our kiddos with delicious and nutritious meals and is always putting on a show singing in the kitchen! She loves working with children as they say the silliest things and love unconditionally. They teach us as much as we teach them.
Skylar believes in Never Say Never, Live Hard, Laugh Lots and Ask Questions.
Fully Licensed Child Care
Many child care centers operate within a special license-exempt category, which means they avoid being held to the Utah Department of Health’s strict licensing standards. By contrast, the Bennion Learning Center proudly meets all of the Utah Department of Health ‘s rules and regulations, which involve regular announced and unannounced inspections, background checks, playground safety, cleanliness, limits on teacher-to-child ratios, and teacher training in first aid and CPR. For licensed child care centers, any validated complaints must also be publicly reported.
Member of the National Child Care Association
The NAFCC’s mission is to safeguard the interest of quality early-childhood care and education, focusing on licensed, private providers of these services. The association works in collaboration with other organizations, local child care associations, and the government.
Utah Professional Child Care Association
A professional association of private center-based child care providers in Utah, promoting quality child care practices, education, and accessibility. The UPCCA actively supports legislation that safeguards child care best practices.
Utah Afterschool Network
A non-profit association that works to help fund and sustain quality school-based and school-linked after-school time. The UAN is a catalyst for strong, safe, and healthy programs to support youth, families, and communities outside school hours.
Bennion Learning Center is an equal opportunity employer and provider. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation.
Bennion Learning Center is partially funded by the Utah Office of Child Care.
Bennion Learning Center accepts Utah Office of Education Food Program subsidies.
Contact Bennion Learning Center Today!
We invite you to call or email us at any time. We can arrange for a visit so that you can see our facilities and programs in person.