Children's Lighthouse

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-fink-34849512/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=austin-based-franchisee-reflects-on-first-year-of-ownership-with-childrens-lighthouse-2728339" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bradley Fink</a>, a consultant with over 12 years of experience managing large-scale projects, took a leap into entrepreneurship with the opening of his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=austin-based-franchisee-reflects-on-first-year-of-ownership-with-childrens-lighthouse-2728339" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children’s Lighthouse</a> franchise in April 2024. Armed with a background in financials, organization and stakeholder management, Fink decided to channel his passion for education and community into a business that blends personal fulfillment with social impact. In just nine months, his center in Kyle, Texas, has set records, achieving the fastest enrollment growth in&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">Children’s Lighthouse</a> history.Fink’s passion for education, along with a strong management team and enthusiastic, experienced teachers, all sharing a commitment to excellence have fueled the center’s rapid success. With a focus on creating a nurturing and enriching environment, the school has become a trusted resource for families in the area.&nbsp;As Fink approaches the one year anniversary of opening his Children’s Lighthouse location, 1851 Franchise spoke with him about his franchise journey thus far and his plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us.&nbsp;What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Bradley Fink:&nbsp;I come from a consulting background. I’ve been consulting on large-scale projects for the last 12 years, which was a great experience for me. I learned a lot about financials, organization, people management, client management, stakeholder management, and managing objectives and big goals.But I always wanted to own my own business and explore what entrepreneurship looked like. I considered a range of options — from franchising to non-franchising — across different industries. Interestingly, it was a friend of mine who owned a competing brand who got me into looking at the child care industry in general.I’ve always loved kids, and I feel education is an incredibly important aspect of everyone’s life. Looking back, my own education certainly played a significant role in the success I’ve experienced in my life. I thought opening a child care business was a great way to provide a community benefit while also achieving my goal of owning a business — essentially hitting the best of both worlds.1851: What was your perception of franchising prior to becoming a franchisee, and what do you want people to know about franchising now that you are in it?Fink:&nbsp;Perception-wise, I initially thought franchising could be an easier way to enter an industry where you may not have deep experience ahead of time. But I also recognized some potential drawbacks, particularly the royalty fees, which were definitely a concern for me when I first started considering franchising.However, as I started researching different industries and brands, the royalty fees became less of a concern. You realize the value you’re getting from the brand you’re working with. For example, with Children’s Lighthouse, the value I get from the brand is incredible — whether it’s the curriculum, marketing support, operational support, or all the tools and processes they provide. For me, the royalty fee is worth it, hands down. My biggest initial concern was completely nullified once I did my research on this particular brand.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Fink:&nbsp;I did a ton of research heading into this decision because it’s a huge financial and time investment. I ended up talking to most of the big national brands during the initial phases of my due diligence process. What really drove my decision was Children’s Lighthouse’s Texas-based, family-oriented structure. They’re big enough to have national recognition and great people on staff with excellent curriculums, but they’re not so big that you feel like just another number.They really take the time to get to know each and every franchisee who joins them, and I truly feel they have our best interests at heart. The trust they were able to build with me during the due diligence process was key.Secondly, in the Austin market, there aren’t too many Children’s Lighthouse locations. I was the fourth one to open and the first south of the city. For me, it’s exciting to enter a relatively fresh market where I can help establish the reputation of Children’s Lighthouse in this area. I don’t have to worry about the reputation built by other owners or schools — I get to set the premier brand expectation here. Building that local trust in the brand at a community level was really important to me as well.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Fink:&nbsp;My vision since we opened has been to be the best preschool in Hays County, where our school is located. That’s the driving objective we focus on every day and every month as we work to continue improving.From a metrics standpoint, I aim to be a top 10 school in terms of revenue across the brand. I’m incredibly excited that we’re already achieving that within our first year. As we move into year two, maintaining that level of excellence and continuing to be the premier school in the area is really important to me.1851:&nbsp;What has the first year been like for you?Fink: Within five weeks of opening, we had the highest and strongest growth rate in Children’s Lighthouse history. We enrolled over 100 kids within our first four weeks. We’ve been open since April, so just over nine months now — we’re heading into our ninth month. We opened right before summer, which naturally brought some fluctuations. For example, some of the APK kids left us to start kindergarten, and there were transitions as we welcomed summer students.That said, we’ve been steadily growing since August. We’re hitting most of our targets in terms of growth and the number of students, which is close to where we want to be.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Fink: Definitely do your research. Look at the different options available within the preschool industry because there are distinct differences across the brands. I’d say talking to the franchisor is absolutely essential to understand their perspective on things. But it’s equally important to build connections with existing franchise owners.For me, visiting some of the schools before signing my franchise agreement was invaluable. I also made a point of asking some very tough questions to existing owners — why they chose to invest in the brand and why they continue to do so. Those discussions were incredibly illuminating. Obviously, the feedback was positive since I did end up signing, but you gain a lot of insight by hearing different perspectives depending on the role people have within the brand.I’ve also tried to take on that responsibility myself. I’ve built strong relationships with franchisees who are behind me in the process, whether they’re opening soon or planning to in the next couple of months. I try to be a mentor to them, offering the same support I received from other owners during my opening process.ABOUT CHILDREN’S LIGHTHOUSE:The Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools™ promise to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Its proprietary curriculum helps children of all ages develop healthy brains, bodies and best behaviors.

Austin-Based Franchisee Reflects on First Year Of Ownership with Children’s Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Franchisee Shares Success Story 

1851 Franchise

First-time business owner Bradley Fink leveraged his consulting expertise to create a thriving child care center in Hays County, Texas, achieving rapid enrollment milestones.

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Children’s Lighthouse Concludes 2025 With Strategic Expansion and a Robust Pipeline for 2026

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At&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the fast-growing early education franchise, family has always been at&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/our-story-2">the heart of the mission</a> — not just in the classrooms, but in the ownership structure that drives the brand forward. Founded on values of care, connection, and community,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> empowers families to help other families by offering high-quality early education that fosters confidence, compassion, and lifelong learning.As the holiday season approaches — a time of gratitude and reflection — stories from the network highlight a recurring theme: the power of family working together. Across the nation, spouses, siblings, and parents are finding new purpose as franchise owners, building legacies that merge their professional aspirations with their deepest personal values.&nbsp;<h2>Why Families Choose Children’s Lighthouse</h2>Children’s Lighthouse naturally attracts family teams who view their business as an extension of their values. The model allows parents and couples to invest in something meaningful — a business that supports work-life balance while contributing to their community’s educational foundation.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/the-top-5-reasons-to-buy-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-in-2024-2726323">The franchise’s flexible structure and robust operational support</a> make it ideal for families who want to collaborate, combining their skill sets and life experiences to build something lasting. And because Children’s Lighthouse is rooted in trust and purpose, family-run schools often flourish. As one leadership principle across the network reflects, when franchisees build with family at the helm, they bring stability, compassion, and a long-term mindset — all essential qualities for success in early learning.<h2>The Mother of Six: A Mission To Educate and Empower</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/newbraunfels/meet-the-owners">Ashley Hempton</a>, opening a Children’s Lighthouse in New Braunfels, Texas, was more than a business decision — it was a calling.“I am a mother of six; the last two we fostered and then adopted after two years,” Hempton said. “My husband is a mechanical engineer and worked in the oil and gas industry. I am a stay-at-home mom. We decided to open a Children’s Lighthouse because we wanted to set deeper roots in the community. The oil and gas industry has been great to us, but as our kids were getting older, we wanted to settle down and start something that was our own.”Her firsthand experience as a parent inspired her to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises-2730272">create something meaningful for other families</a>. “As a mother of six, I have a lot of experience with quality early childhood education and how important that is,” she said.For Hempton, the brand’s educational philosophy was the deciding factor. “What Children’s Lighthouse is doing with the curriculum is amazing,” she said. “There is a team constantly updating the curriculum with research to ensure we are the best in the industry.”As she prepares to open her first school, Hempton sees her Children’s Lighthouse franchise as a legacy project — one that combines her passion for children with her family’s desire to make a difference. “We wanted to set deeper roots in the community,” she said. “This gives us the chance to do that.”<h2>The Kansas Couple: Shared Purpose, Shared Success</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-wiggins-webinar-recap-2729981">Tyler and Madison Wiggins</a>, owning two Children’s Lighthouse schools in Gardner and Olathe, Kansas, has allowed them to realign their careers around what matters most — family. After years in demanding corporate roles, the couple wanted to spend more time with their children while contributing to their local community.“We were in this situation where we felt like we were going to miss our kids’ childhoods, for lack of a better word,” Tyler said. “We started looking for a way to give Madison a career but also be able to see our kids throughout the day — to have your cake and eat it too.”Their journey led them to Children’s Lighthouse, a brand that aligned perfectly with their mission. “We were really interested in having that support from a corporate entity as we started our business journey,” Madison said. “That’s a major reason we chose Children’s Lighthouse, because of their corporate team, their franchisee team and the support they offer. It’s been reassuring over and over again that we chose the right franchise.”Together, the couple balances their skills — Tyler brings business acumen, while Madison’s eye for detail and passion for education keep their schools running smoothly. And far from adding stress to their relationship, this shared venture has strengthened it. “This experience has shown us how to lean on each other,” Tyler said. “It’s made us more solid as a family unit.”Now, they’re looking ahead to long-term growth. “The hope is that five years from now, we’ve established something meaningful here,” Tyler said. “We want to be viewed by our community, our families, and our staff as the benchmark for what premium childcare should be.”<h2>The Crafts: From New Parents to Multi-Unit Owners</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees-2728375">Randy and Sandy Craft</a> turned their own parenting journey into a thriving business. What began as a search for childcare for their first child has evolved into a 12-year franchise success story — one that reflects the lasting power of family and perseverance.“When we were expecting our first child, we struggled to find quality childcare in our community,” Randy said. “Sandy said, ‘There has to be something better out there,’ which prompted us to start researching childcare options.”That search led them to Children’s Lighthouse. “The franchise model meant we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel — there was always someone to guide us,” Randy said. “Children’s Lighthouse promised they would teach us to be successful operators, and they delivered on that promise.”Now operating two thriving schools in Texas — one in Fairfield and another in Jordan Ranch — the Crafts have achieved not just professional success but personal balance. “The franchise has given us immense freedom, both financially and in terms of time,” Randy said. “We’ve been able to travel extensively and enjoy time with our family.”Their advice to others is simple: trust the process. “Don’t try to reinvent the wheel. Be open to mentorship and follow the proven systems in place,” Randy said. “Children’s Lighthouse said, ‘Follow our script, and you will be successful,’ and they’ve kept that promise.”<h2>The Bigger Picture: Why Family Teams Thrive in Franchising</h2>In the world of franchising, family partnerships are becoming increasingly common and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouse-stands-out-among-other-childrens-education-childcare-and-daycare-franchises-2730272">Children’s Lighthouse stands out as an ideal fit</a>.&nbsp;Operating a school together allows couples and families to play to their strengths, share responsibilities, and build a legacy that extends beyond profit. The emotional and business advantages of these teams — trust, alignment, communication, and long-term vision — are precisely what make Children’s Lighthouse communities so strong.This holiday season, as parents across the country reflect on what matters most, Children’s Lighthouse celebrates the families who are shaping brighter futures — not just for their own children, but for generations to come.For more information on franchising with Children’s Lighthouse, visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

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Eric and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristenbassett/">Kristen Hall</a> plan to open the first&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> early learning school in Indiana, bringing the Texas-based, values-driven education brand to Westfield,&nbsp;<a href="https://youarecurrent.com/2025/12/15/passion-to-teach-couple-plans-to-open-early-learning-school-franchise/">Current Publishing reported</a>. Kristen, a former teacher in the Noblesville and Westfield school districts, was attracted to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">Children’s Lighthouse</a> for its balanced focus on academic, social-emotional, and lifelong learning.&nbsp;“We talked about childcare, especially with my passion for education,” Kristen said. “So, I just started researching. I was really drawn to Children’s Lighthouse because they not only really focused on academic readiness, but also the social-emotional growth and fostering that lifelong learning.”Established in 1997, Children's Lighthouse provides care for children aged six weeks to six years, plus after-school programs for six-to-12-year-olds. The schools prioritize safety, technology, and family engagement through features like secure access, in-classroom cameras, and parent communication tools.“Kristen had done five or six interviews with various franchises,” Eric said. “In the process of what we stand for and some of our values and core beliefs in education for children, we got down to one or two we talked to extensively and we were aligned with Children’s Lighthouse.”The Halls toured the brand’s Dallas-Fort Worth facilities and cited the environment, safety protocols, and modern curriculum as key differentiators. Kristen will be involved in the educational leadership of the school, while Eric will support business operations. With plans to open in 2027 or in early 2028, the Westfield location is expected to serve approximately 180 students and reflect Children’s Lighthouse’s commitment to locally owned, community-focused early education.Read the full article&nbsp;<a href="https://youarecurrent.com/2025/12/15/passion-to-teach-couple-plans-to-open-early-learning-school-franchise/">here</a>.&nbsp;To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse.">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse.</a>&nbsp;

Current Publishing: Children’s Lighthouse To Open in Indiana

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Why This Mother of Six Chose To Open Her Own Early Learning School Franchise With Children’s Lighthouse

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How Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees Scale to Multiple Locations

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the nationally recognized early learning school franchise, is closing out 2025 with another year of intentional, high-quality growth driven by strong franchisee reinvestment, expansion into new states and continued demand for exceptional early education. The brand will finish the year with 15 franchise units awarded, half of which came from existing owners expanding their footprint.&nbsp;“That is really the greatest testament to the brand,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development at Children’s Lighthouse. “Existing owners are happy enough and confident with their investment to add additional units. We’ve really had targeted, selective growth where we want to be around the country.”The brand sold five units to new owners, breathing new life into those locations, as the company focuses its franchise efforts on expanding with franchisees who want to make a positive impact in their communities. This year’s development reflects a strategic approach. While Texas continues to be the brand’s core growth market, Children’s Lighthouse also awarded franchises in Indiana and Missouri for the first time — a milestone that underscores the brand’s expanding national presence. Looking ahead, Children’s Lighthouse will open its first school in Tennessee in 2026.“We’ve been really intentional with where we want to expand,” Kelton said. “In Texas, we’ve focused the most because it is our home state, but adding Indiana and Missouri, and soon Tennessee, shows how the model resonates with families and franchisees across the U.S.”In addition to new signings, Children’s Lighthouse celebrated the opening of three new schools this year. The brand anticipates an even stronger year ahead, with eight new schools projected to open in 2026.“Our schools continue to have growth as well as we continue to manage the massive demand for childcare,” Kelton said. “Parents everywhere are looking for high-quality, values-based early education, and Children’s Lighthouse continues to deliver on that promise.”Children’s Lighthouse also enhanced its digital footprint in 2025 with a newly rolled-out website and expanded content aimed at improving both parent engagement and franchise development visibility.As the brand prepares for 2026, the focus remains firmly on sustainable, high-quality growth. Children’s Lighthouse aims to add approximately 15 new franchise locations next year — prioritizing strategic market entries and strong operator fit.“We are not trying to sell just to sell,” Kelton said. “We are focused more on quality over quantity. We want to find the right partners who are the right fit all the way around.”With a strengthened infrastructure, rising nationwide demand for early childhood education and a record year of development momentum behind it, Children’s Lighthouse enters 2026 with confidence and clarity.“We’re laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth,” Kelton said. “This year set the stage — and next year we’re ready to build on it.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.About Children’s LighthouseThe Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Fort Worth, Texas in 1997. The Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools® brand promises to create a safe, fun, and happy place that gives children confidence, a sense of comfort today, and a lifelong love of learning, friendship, and community. Children’s Lighthouse focuses on age-appropriate and values based curriculums that focus on kindergarten readiness and creating lifelong learners. In 2025, Children's Lighthouse was ranked on the Entrepreneur 500 and as a Top Franchise for 2025 by Franchise Business Review. In 2024, Children's Lighthouse was featured on the Franchise Times Top 400.

Children's Lighthouse - 2025 End of Year Wrap - 1851 Franchise

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When looking for investments in 2026, you need a franchise that lasts. This is especially true given today's uncertain economy. That means reliable demand, simple operations, and real long-term growth. Few sectors fit this profile better than early childhood education. Within that field,&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children's Lighthouse</a> is fast becoming the top choice for smart investors.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children's Lighthouse</a> has been operating for nearly 30 years and utilizes a proprietary, research-backed curriculum. Its business model is strong, supported by healthy cash flow and commercial real estate assets. As the company enters 2026, it brings significant momentum and a clear path for continued growth, while also welcoming an increasing number of qualified franchisees. This opportunity successfully combines purpose and performance. Both are critically important right now.<h2>Demand That Doesn’t Flinch, Even in Uncertain Times</h2>Childcare and early education continue to rank among the most recession-resistant sectors in franchising, and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-climbs-the-franchise-times-top-400-list-once-again-2730465">Children’s Lighthouse is benefiting directly from that reality</a>. Across the country, dual-income households are the norm, birth rates in key suburban growth markets remain strong, and parents are increasingly selective about where they entrust their children’s early development.“First, it’s a business that has incredible demand — the number of parents that have a need for our services is at a record level,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development. “We have waitlists all over the country. We’ve also never had an SBA failure in our system, which is unheard of in franchising.”<h2>A Proprietary Curriculum That Drives Retention and Reputation</h2>Children's Lighthouse aims to be an early learning institution, not a daycare. That distinction resonates with parents. It also gives franchisees meaningful staying power.“There just aren’t many concepts out there with a proprietary curriculum designed to grow with the child,” Kelton said. “That’s a big reason our families stay with us long-term.”<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/values-based-curriculum-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-competitive-edge-2731093">The Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum</a> is proprietary, research-driven, and designed to grow with the child. From Lighthouse BRIGHT® for infants and toddlers to Lighthouse Cares® for preschoolers and xSTREAM Quest® for school-age children, the programs span infancy through age 12 — creating long-term enrollment, family loyalty, and strong word-of-mouth.<h2>Built-In Real Estate Value That Investors Understand</h2>Children’s Lighthouse also offers something increasingly rare in franchising: an attractive real estate play. Each school is typically a 10,000-square-foot facility situated on nearly two acres in a high-visibility community location — this allows franchisees to build equity alongside their business.“In 15 years, you can potentially sell it for a significant multiple of what you paid for it,” Kelton said. “It’s really an intriguing model. Banks like it. Private equity loves it. And you’re still offering a critical service to your community.”<h2>Momentum Heading Into 2026</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-franchise-expansion-2025-2026-pipeline-2731091#featured">Children’s Lighthouse closed 2025 with 15 franchise signings, five locations under new ownership, and three new schools opened</a>, while also entering Indiana and Missouri for the first time.&nbsp;“Our schools continue to grow as well as we continue to manage massive demand for childcare,” Kelton said. “Parents everywhere are looking for high-quality, values-based early education, and Children’s Lighthouse continues to deliver on that promise.”The brand is slated to open its first Tennessee location in 2026 and expects eight new school openings throughout the year.“We are not trying to sell just to sell,” Kelton said. “We are focused more on quality over quantity. We want to find the right partners who are the right fit all the way around. At the end of the day, our schools are full and our families are happy. That’s the best validation there is. When you invest in Children’s Lighthouse, you’re investing in an opportunity that is both financially sound and personally rewarding.”To learn more about franchising with Children’s Lighthouse, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

Why 2026 Is the Year to Invest in a Children’s Lighthouse Franchise

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When families walk into a&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, they’re looking for more than a safe place for their children. Increasingly, parents want schools that nurture character, curiosity, problem-solving, independence, and social-emotional growth, all while preparing children academically for kindergarten and beyond. That combination is rare in today’s early learning landscape, and according to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kristi-martin-smith-2653aa3b">Dr. Kristi Smith</a>, Director of Curriculum, it’s exactly what sets&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> apart.“The curriculum has evolved from several curriculums,” Smith said. “We had one priority for preschool, and we didn’t have any other ones. It’s evolved over the last five years into a whole approach. That is what I am most proud about: We have gone beyond just an individual curriculum to an all-out approach to learning.”Today, that unified, research-backed system is the&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/pathways">Lighthouse Pathways®</a> approach: a values-driven learning model that supports the whole child while giving franchisees a distinctive advantage in any market.<h2>A Curriculum That Meets Parents Where They Are and Where They’re Going</h2>Across the country, families are demanding more from early learning centers. They want academic readiness, STEAM integration, dual-language exposure, strong social-emotional development, and a nurturing environment. But as Smith explains, what parents are&nbsp;really asking for is rigor, intentionality, and visible learning.“Parents want an educational edge for their children,” she said. “They want them to be fully prepared for elementary school success and lifelong learning.” That includes taking turns in discussions, working in small groups, building early literacy and writing skills, and developing independence. “They need to learn how to clean up after themselves, make decisions — all of those pieces,” Smith said.Children’s Lighthouse has designed age-specific programs to meet the developmental needs of every stage. Infants and toddlers begin with&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/bright">Lighthouse BRIGHT®</a>, which focuses on sensory exploration and motor development. Preschoolers advance through&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lighthouseglobal.com/lighthouse-cares">Lighthouse Cares®</a>, which incorporates literacy, math, science, and social-emotional development. For school-age children, the brand offers&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/xstream-quest">xSTREAM Quest®</a>, which integrates science, technology, reading, engineering, art, and math into team and solo work.As part of the Lighthouse Pathways® system, each curriculum intentionally builds not only academic skills but also values: empathy, responsibility, persistence, curiosity, and confidence.“Our STREAM focus is very heavy on helping children discover the world around them,” Smith said. “Even down to infants and toddlers, it’s all about developing curiosity and wonder.”<h2>Visible Learning: A Differentiator Parents Notice (and Talk About)</h2>One of the biggest challenges in early childhood education is helping families see the learning happening behind play-based and sensory experiences. Children’s Lighthouse solves that by embedding “proof of learning” directly into daily materials.“It’s hard to see preschool learning, as it is very sensory driven, but we’ve made it visible, which is very unique,” Smith said. “When children take home a worksheet, embedded in that is skill coding and inquiry questions where parents can extend the learning at home.”That visibility creates confidence, and confidence drives enrollment, retention, and word-of-mouth referrals. It’s one reason franchisees experience such strong occupancy rates across the system.<h2>Training That Turns Franchisees Into Confident Early Learning Leaders</h2>Many Children’s Lighthouse owners come from fields far outside education. Smith designed the franchisee training to ensure every owner understands the curriculum deeply enough to champion it in their community.“Franchisees spend a day training with me, boots-on-the-ground,” she said. “I take them into the school, pointing out the curriculum in action. Then we sit down and go over the concepts and the pathways approach to learning.”As owners move closer to opening, they return for Lighthouse Leadership Academy at the Support Center and for several days of curriculum-specific training with Smith. From there, ongoing learning never stops thanks to monthly curriculum chats, robust recorded training, and additional sessions at owners’ conferences.This level of hands-on support is uncommon in the sector and it&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouse-is-pioneering-top-notch-curriculum-in-the-early-education-segment-2728148">helps franchisees quickly build confidence, trust, and authority with parents</a>.One of the greatest advantages for franchisees is that the curriculum is never static.“We are always forward-thinking and looking at what is happening in the future,” Smith said. Her team is currently preparing curriculum updates tied to universal Pre-K requirements, monitoring state-by-state trends, and even responding to national shifts such as elementary schools reintroducing keyboarding skills.“We don’t just rest on our laurels,” she said. “Franchisees can rest assured about that.”This future-focused innovation ensures that Children’s Lighthouse schools stay competitive and aligned with parent expectations that shift every year.<h2>Why Parents Choose and Stay With Children’s Lighthouse</h2>While academic preparation is essential, Smith says the character-first approach is the true game-changer. “Our approach is really all about helping children to be lifelong learners,” she said. “That is what it takes to help children thrive in today’s educational environment.”Parents want curiosity, resilience, empathy, independence, and confidence. They want their children to enter kindergarten not just academically ready, but emotionally equipped to thrive. Lighthouse Pathways® delivers exactly that.That combination gives franchise owners a compelling message that resonates with families and&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081">distinguishes their schools from traditional daycare centers</a>.“When parents see what we’re doing — the rigor, the values, the curiosity — they know this is education, not just childcare,” Smith said. “That’s what gives our franchisees such a strong advantage.”With a curriculum that evolves, a robust training program, and a brand committed to staying ahead of the industry, Children’s Lighthouse franchise owners gain not only a strong business model, but also the opportunity to shape the next generation of thinkers, leaders, and learners.For more information on franchising with Children’s Lighthouse visit:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

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