Starting daycare can be a rewarding and challenging experience. If you’re interested in starting a daycare but aren’t sure where to start, consider franchising. Top child care franchises offer many benefits, including access to proven business models, marketing support, and a network of other franchisees. There are many daycare franchises, from in-home care to center-based programs. Here are 13 daycare franchises that are currently accepting franchisees:
1. The Goddard School
- Cash Requirement: $250,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $135,000
- Initial Investment: $698,300 – $873,800
The Goddard School is a well-established daycare franchise with over 575 locations across the United States, a 19.3% over the last three years. The company was started in 1986, and not so long after began franchising. Today, The Goddard School is considered one of the best daycare franchises and has been ranked in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 for 16 years in a row. The franchise offers comprehensive training and support, including a detailed operations manual, marketing assistance, and ongoing field support.
2. Creative World School
- Initial Franchise Fee: $60,000
- Cash Requirement: $400,000 – $550,000
- Initial Investment: $2,445,300 – $5,206,000
Next is the Creative World School. This is another excellent opportunity for those who want to make a difference in their community while securing their financial future. The investment required is a bit higher than the previous school, but this is because you are getting a well-known and respected brand. It’s a promising franchise opportunity with a lot of room to grow.
3. Skidaddles
- Cash Requirement: $80,000
- Initial Franchise Fee: $30,000
- Initial Investment: $188,300 – $305,400
Skidaddles is another of the great daycare franchise opportunities out there. With a relatively low investment and cash requirement, this is an excellent option for those who want to get into the childcare business. This franchise also has a lot of experience and awards under its belt, which is always reassuring for potential franchisees.
4. Primrose Schools
- Initial Franchise Fee: $80,000
- Initial Investment: $651,900 – $7,779,000
- Net Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Cash Requirement: $600,000
Primrose Schools franchise has proved to be a very successful endeavor. Over the last three years, its growth has been steady, and they currently have 454 units. This is an 18.8% increase from three years ago. The company requires a significant investment but does not have many other barriers to entry. With a solid history and excellent reputation, Primrose Schools is one of the best daycare franchise opportunities.
5. Adventure Kids Playcare
- Initial Franchise Fee: $29,500
- Initial Investment: $482,505 – $874,005
- Net Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Cash Requirement: $100,000
Another fantastic daycare franchise opportunity is Adventure Kids Playcare. The services offered by Adventure Kids Playcare are top-notch, and their safety record is impeccable. The company has a meager initial investment and provides a unique service many parents require. With a strong growth trajectory and a proven business model, this is a franchise to consider.
6. KLA Schools
- Initial Franchise Fee: $78,500
- Initial Investment: $1,121,000 – $5,804,750
- Net Worth Requirement: $650,000 – $1,000,000
- Cash Requirement: $300,000 – $500,000
KLA Schools is one of the few daycare franchises offering a unique learning setup that has proven successful with students. The company has very high standards for its franchisees, but those who meet the requirements could find it a good investment. It’s one of the best daycare franchise opportunities because it has a solid reputation, a proven business model, and strong support from the franchisor.
7. LeafSpring Schools
- Initial Franchise Fee: $87,500
- Initial Investment: $4,922,500 – $8,958,200
- Net Worth Requirement: $1,500,000 – $2,500,000
- Cash Requirement: $750,000 – $1,500,000
LeafSpring Schools was founded in 1988 and 11 years later started franchising. The company has grown to have a presence in 21 states with plans to continue expanding. It’s one of the best daycare franchise opportunities because it’s a well-established brand with a proven business model. It also focuses uniquely on early education, mildly ill care, and school-age recreation.
8. College Nannies, Sitters, and Tutors
- Initial Franchise Fee: $45,000
- Cash Required: $75,000
- Cash Requirement: $105,000 – $158,000
Next up, we have College Nannies, Sitters, and Tutors. The franchise is an opportunity to get involved in the childcare industry with a company that has been around for some time. College Nannies, Sitters, and Tutors has been operational for over 15 years and has approximately 200 locations across the United States. That means they are a well-established company with a proven business model.
9. Children’s Lighthouse
- Initial Franchise Fee: $75,000
- Initial Investment: $4,336,318 – $6,604,406
- Net Worth Requirement: $600,000 – $950,000
- Cash Requirement: $300,000 – $500,000
Children’s Lighthouse has seen a growth of 28.6% in the number of units over the past three years, and as of 2021, there are 63 units in operation. The company has a proven track record with 20 years of experience in the industry and offers a Cognia™ accredited education. It’s an excellent opportunity if you have the financial resources to make the initial investment and meet the company’s net worth and liquid capital requirements; there isn’t much risk as the company has already established a successful business model.
10. Genius Kids
- Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Initial Investment: $122,200 – $650,000
- Net Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Cash Requirement: $350,000
Even though the company has managed to have 29 units as of 2019, the Genius Kids franchise has the potential for further growth since it’s a part of the industry that’s always in demand. Some benefits to franchisees include having a proven business model, access to an established curriculum and lesson plans, and name recognition. One of the company’s goals is to help children succeed, which is why it offers various services and programs designed to do just that.
11. All About Kids
- Initial Franchise Fee: $50,000
- Initial Investment: $638,500 – $3,307,500
- Cash Requirement: $190,000
Another best Daycare franchise opportunity is All About Kids. It is a childcare and learning center that has been in the industry for more than two decades. The company provides education and child care services to infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-aged children. All About Kids has its headquarters in Kentucky, Lexington, and Louisville, with additional locations in Indianapolis, Indiana, and Columbus, Ohio.
12. Lightbridge Academy
- Initial Franchise Fee: $40,000
- Initial Investment: $581,233 – $5,048,750
- Net Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Cash Requirement: $200,000
Lightbridge Academy franchise is a unique childcare opportunity in that it is one of the first companies to offer an educational component for children six weeks to 12 years old. This makes it a valuable investment for those who want to get involved in the childcare industry and have a passion for education. The company has been operational for over 25 years and offers a comprehensive training program for franchisees. With 53 units in operation as of 2021, it is a growing company with plenty of room for expansion.
13. KidsPark
- Initial Franchise Fee: $28,000
- Initial Investment: $261,000 – $449,000
- Net Worth Requirement: $100,000
- Cash Requirement: $50,000
Lastly, there is the KidsPark franchise, an opportunity registered under the children’s business industry founded in 1988. KidsPark has been offering various unique solutions for childcare with a fun and safe play space that can be accessed without reservations, allowing customers to drop in any time of the week. For children aged 2 to 12, the organization offers an hourly preschool program, a drop-in daycare center, and private parties.
And there you have it; those are thirteen different daycare franchise opportunities you can consider for your future business endeavors. It is important to remember that when choosing the right franchise for you, to do your research and due diligence to find the perfect fit. Consider what each of these franchises offers and make the best decision based on your capability.