5 Child Care Franchises We Love

With the current post-pandemic reopening, coupled with society’s gradual return to life before lockdown, child care is a hot commodity once more as millions are returning to physical offices after working from home.

Luckily, there are tons of options for aspiring entrepreneurs wishing to start a business and support their children and their families simultaneously. Parents are seeking flexibility and reliability, and the childcare industry is booming — so now is the time to consider a child care franchise. 1851 has rounded up the crème de la crème of the industry with five child care franchises we love. 

Lightbridge Academy*®

• Units: 60
• Startup costs: $549,228-$767,635
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Since its humble beginnings as a family business in Iselin, New Jersey, Lightbridge Academy® has blossomed into a unique childhood education brand that offers programs for children from six weeks old to six years old. With more than 100 centers either open or in development in eight states, Lightbridge Academy® credits its success to its “Circle of Care” philosophy, which extends its support to all of a child’s family members — parents and franchisees included.

The Goddard School

• Units: 538
• Startup costs: $150,000

The King of Prussia-based Goddard School also reigns supreme in the child care franchise space, with its 538 locations across the country and education programs for children from six weeks to six years old. The learning doesn’t stop with kids, though — the company regularly engages continuing education for teachers and a quality-assurance program with corporate.

IDEA Lab Kids

• Units: 25
• Startup costs: $98,100-$271,000
• 1851 Brand Newsroom

Who said learning isn’t fun? Houston-based IDEA Lab Kids offers franchisees a fun and educational business that allows kids to explore their love of science, technology, engineering, art and math subjects through STEAM education. Providing a wide range of programming, including camps, birthday parties, open labs and after-school classes for children ages four to 14, IDEA Lab Kids brings out the Bill Nye within us all.

Kumon Math & Reading Centers

• Units: 26,365 
• Startup costs: $64,000-$140,000

Legendary in its category, Kumon Math & Reading Centers was founded in 1954 by a Japanese high school math teacher Toru Kumon, who developed the concept’s unique educational method that emphasizes a daily practice of math and reading to accelerate learners. It’s one of the largest brands out there but offers some of the lowest startup costs, starting at $64,000.

Primrose Schools

• Units: 430
• Startup costs: $625,000-$6.8MM

Finally, our roundup ends with Primrose Schools, a licensed educational child care facility offering education from six weeks to six years old. The Atlanta-based, 430-unit early childhood education provider also provides year-round programming and after-school programs that emphasize education and community involvement.