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With the current post-pandemic reopening, coupled with society’s gradual return to life before lockdown, child care is a hot commodity once more <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/17/success/going-back-to-the-office/index.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">as millions are returning to physical offices</a> after working from home.Luckily, there are <a href="https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/category/childcare?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">tons of options</a> 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.&nbsp;<h4><a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Lightbridge Academy*®</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 60</li><li>Startup costs: $549,228-$767,635</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/lightbridgeacademy">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>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.<h4><a href="https://www.goddardschoolfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Goddard School</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 538</li><li>Startup costs: $150,000</li></ul>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.<h4><a href="https://franchise.idealabkids.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IDEA Lab Kids</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 25</li><li>Startup costs: $98,100-$271,000</li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/lyricoslearning/info">1851 Brand Newsroom</a></li></ul>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.<h4><a href="https://www.kumonfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kumon Math &amp; Reading Centers</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 26,365&nbsp;</li><li>Startup costs: $64,000-$140,000</li></ul>Legendary in its category, Kumon Math &amp; 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.<h4><a href="https://franchise.primroseschools.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=5-child-care-franchises-we-love-2716611" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Primrose Schools</a></h4><ul><li>Units: 430</li><li>Startup costs: $625,000-$6.8MM</li></ul>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.

5 Child Care Franchises We Love

1851 Franchise

With many saying “hasta la vista, baby” to WFH life, here are five of our favorite child care franchises poised for success during the pandemic and beyond.

5-child-care-franchises-we-love

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

Right at Home

Right at Home® Named a 2025 Top Franchise Brand for Multi-Unit Owners by Entrepreneur Magazine

right-at-home-named-a-2025-top-franchise-brand-for-multi-unit-owners-by-entrepreneur-magazine

Dog Training Elite

Dog Training Elite -Tips-to-Ease-Dog Anxiety-for-4th of July- July-2025

Dog Training Elite Shares Tips To Ease Dog Anxiety for 4th of July

tips-to-ease-dog-anxiety-fireworks-4th-of-july

Melting Pot

Photo of interior of Melting Pot restaurant

Lexington Herald Leader: This Restaurant Chain Eyes a Return to Lexington After 10 Years

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Keke's Breakfast Cafe

Keke's Breakfast Cafe - John and Kimberly Ehrhard - 1851 Franchise

Empowering Leadership, One Pancake at a Time: How John and Kimberly Ehrhard Are Building a Franchise Legacy with Keke’s Breakfast Cafe

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5 Child Care Franchises We Love

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