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Children's Lighthouse Franchise: Where Passion for Kids and Business Acumen Meet

Kelly Pritchard, a Children's Lighthouse franchisee in Houston, turned her passion for helping children into a thriving business offering families a safe, caring environment.

By Victoria CampisiStaff Writer
Updated 8:08AM 09/11/24

Children's Lighthouse, the family-focused early childhood education franchise providing value-based care for infants, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children , gives entrepreneurs the opportunity to combine a passion for helping children with running a successful business. For Kelly Pritchard, a Children's Lighthouse franchisee based in Houston, Texas, this opportunity allowed her to create something she deeply cared about — a safe, loving environment for children that she felt was missing during her own parenting journey.

Pritchard didn’t start her career with the idea of owning a childcare center. With a background in speech communications, she initially planned to become a TV anchor. However, life took her in a different direction. After having two boys and facing the challenges of finding quality child care, she realized that the options available didn’t feel like a true home for her children.

“I’m a mommy with a mission,” she said. “I had my children in a number of preschools and then, as they grew older, my husband and I wanted to go ahead and do something on our own. When we were deciding what it was going to be, we asked ourselves, ‘What do we know best?’ We know about our children.” 

Pritchard chose Children's Lighthouse after her own children attended the after-school program near their home. She wanted to offer families a community-focused place where children could feel safe, loved and supported — a home away from home. Pritchard’s goal was to provide what she felt was missing during her own experience as a parent, ensuring that children and their families had a dependable and caring space.

What Sets Children’s Lighthouse Apart

Children’s Lighthouse stands out to Pritchard because of its commitment to continuous improvement and franchisee involvement. One of the biggest advantages of being part of the Children’s Lighthouse franchise is the strong support system. Pritchard, who had no formal experience in childcare before becoming a franchisee, finds this support invaluable.

"Training is excellent from a franchise standpoint, and the support is always there," she said. "The support is definitely key in asking and always having somebody to reach out to."

This guidance has been crucial in helping her successfully manage her business while fulfilling her mission of providing a nurturing environment for children.

Building Success in the Community

Since opening her Children's Lighthouse in 2017, Pritchard has built a strong reputation in her community, largely through word-of-mouth. "We are a very successful school, and we have been for years," she said.

For Pritchard, Children’s Lighthouse aligns perfectly with her personal and professional goals. It’s not just about running a successful business; it’s about making a difference in the lives of children and their families.

"We all want to be successful when it comes to our brands ... but along with that, it's about the team, it's about the community and really making a difference," said Pritchard. “Child by child and family by family. We're doing that, and we're doing it really well.”

Pritchard's journey with Children's Lighthouse shows how combining a passion for helping children with a strong business model can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success. Her franchise has become a vital part of the Houston community, offering families a safe and loving environment where their children can thrive.

To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse.

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