Children's Lighthouse

After spending years in demanding corporate roles,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-wiggins-09b251115/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Tyler</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-wiggins-949184134/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Madison Wiggins</a> found themselves longing for more time with their kids and a deeper connection to their community. Like many parents, they were juggling long workdays with hectic evenings, barely getting to enjoy time with their children during the week. That realization led them to rethink their careers and explore opportunities that would allow them to build something meaningful, not just for themselves, but for other families too.That journey brought them to&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=kansas-couple-opens-childrens-lighthouse-gardner-olathe-2729727" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. The couple is now taking over two locations in Gardner and Olathe, Kansas, with the goal of creating nurturing, high-quality environments where children can grow and thrive. As parents who have relied on childcare themselves, Tyler and Madison know exactly what families are looking for: trust, transparency and a place that truly feels like a second home. Now, they’re excited to bring that vision to life with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> in the very communities they live in and love.1851 Franchise spoke to the couple about their franchise journey and plans for the future.&nbsp;1851 Franchise: Frame your personal story for us. What did you do before franchising, and how did you decide franchising made sense for you?Tyler Wiggins:&nbsp;Madison and I both worked corporate jobs, and I still do. Madison was an accounting manager. Once we had our second kid, both kids were in day care. We were in this situation where it felt like every day we were getting the kids home around 5:30 or 6:00, and we had to start bedtime at 6:30.When it comes to having kids, the whole weekend is spent recovering from the week, trying to get the house back in order, getting meals made — all that. We were in this situation where we felt like we were going to miss our kids’ childhoods, for lack of a better word.When we had our second kid, Madison took an extended maternity leave. She was at home for five months, and over that time, we kind of learned that maybe being a stay-at-home mom isn’t necessarily the best thing for us or Madison. Some people want to be building something out there.So 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. We started talking with other childcare franchises and Children's Lighthouse.&nbsp;As we started talking about what our childcare facility would look like, how we would do things differently, and how we could provide a truly valuable resource to families, I think Madison and I both found that we feel pretty strongly about this. The quality of childcare a child receives is highly correlated with good outcomes later in life. The idea that getting good care is something kids are entitled to really resonated with both of us. That’s been what has been driving us since then.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?Madison Wiggins:&nbsp;My dad has bought and sold several franchises over the last 20 years, so I’ve seen what it’s like to be a franchisee. We were really interested in having that support from a corporate entity as we started our business journey. That’s a major reason we chose Children’s Lighthouse, because of their corporate team, their franchisee team and the support they offer.They’ve been great to work with, and it’s been reassuring over and over again that we chose the right franchise. It really comes down to the support that’s offered as you get your business off the ground. There’s expertise in every facet of the business, which has been helpful, especially because Tyler and I are parents who’ve worked in the corporate world. We like to say we are our own customer — our kids have been in day care for the last three years, so we know what it’s like. But we’ve never owned or taught in a day care, so having that operational expertise has been important as we enter this new industry.Tyler:&nbsp;I agree with that. The only thing I’d add is that we’ve talked about how, to be successful owning a childcare facility, you really need three things: a heart for kids, a mind for how a business runs and knowledge of how a childcare facility operates.A lot of people get into childcare with a huge heart for kids, but they’re missing those other two pieces, which makes things really hard. Madison and I have a heart for the kids and a good head for business, but the operations of a childcare facility are so complex — there are so many moving parts and the stakes are so high — that it’s really nice to have real support from people who know what they’re doing. They’ve done it many times and are incentivized to help you succeed. Our success is their success, we pay them based on our revenue, so we’re all working toward the same goal: getting to capacity.1851:&nbsp;What made you pick this brand? What excites you most about this company?Madison:&nbsp;There’s a bridge between home and school that Children’s Lighthouse really emphasizes. You’re working together with both parents and teachers to make sure that learning goes back and forth. It also helps parents feel like they have agency over what their kids are learning. They know what their kids are doing in school, so when they come home, they can ask specific questions.We’ve experienced this many times, we’ll ask our three-year-old, “What did you learn today?” and the answer is, “Nothing.” But if you know what they’re learning, you can ask direct questions and actually connect more with your child.Another thing is that I personally really like Montessori ideologies. Unfortunately, a lot of our public schools and school systems aren’t set up that way. Children’s Lighthouse incorporates some of those child-led learning concepts while also preparing kids for kindergarten. It’s not just play — there’s structure, there’s time for sitting and doing worksheets, and there’s something tangible for kids to show their parents at the end of the day. They play a lot, but they also learn. That balance is really important.Tyler:&nbsp;Madison pretty much captured everything I like about how Children’s Lighthouse operates. One other thing that stood out to us was that we didn’t consider going outside of the big four premium childcare brands. But if we were to own, say, a Goddard School or a Kiddie Academy or a Primrose in the Kansas City area, we would just be another one of those brands in a very saturated space.Children’s Lighthouse is smaller, they’re roughly a quarter or a fifth the size of those other brands, which allows us to define what Children’s Lighthouse is in the Kansas City market. As we grow this brand locally, the market will be ours. We're not necessarily tethered to what another franchisee does in another market. The hope is that five years from now, we’ve established something meaningful here.1851:&nbsp;What do you hope to achieve with your business? What are your plans for growth?&nbsp;Tyler:&nbsp;What we hope to achieve with the business is pretty simple. We want to be viewed by our community, our families and our staff as the benchmark for what premium childcare should be. That’s the goal. It’s not a complicated idea, but it is a hard one to execute.Our immediate goals are more practical — we need to reach our break-even point, get to that 80% capacity mark and start paying down some of the bills.Growth-wise, we’re taking it one school at a time, though right now, we’re doing two at a time. We already know we want at least one more. I don’t have any reason to believe we’ll stop at three, four or even five. I think we’ll continue to grow until we find a balance between financial and professional freedom, and the ability to spend time with our family, which ultimately is the reason we started doing this in the first place.1851:&nbsp;Is there anything else about your story you want us to know?Madison: I think something that always interests people is that Tyler and I are high school sweethearts. We’ve been through a lot of different stages of life together, and now, as business partners, it’s been really rewarding to work toward a common goal. Like Tyler said, the goal is to spend more time with our family, but also to provide a safe, loving place for everyone’s kids. It’s meaningful to know that our kids are learning alongside the children in our community.We want families to feel comfortable. Like I said before, we are our own customer. We’ve both been in corporate America — I’ve stepped away from that now, but Tyler is still in it — so we can really relate to the parents who walk through our doors. We want the same things for our kids that every parent wants.Tyler:&nbsp;I would agree with all of that. One of the underrated elements of childcare is the family dynamic behind the facility. We’re a family-owned setup, and we’ve found that our community and our staff really like that. One concern Madison and I had going into this was whether the stress of running a business would put a strain on our relationship or our family. But what we’ve found is almost the opposite. This experience has shown us how to lean on each other. It’s made us more solid as a family unit. That’s been really cool — I’m glad that wasn’t a sacrifice we had to make to do this.1851:&nbsp;What advice do you have for other people thinking about becoming franchise owners?Tyler:&nbsp;Coming into this, I sort of assumed all franchises were created equally. Knowing what I know now, I feel like we got really lucky choosing Children’s Lighthouse versus some of the other competitors. I’d also say: Don’t assume that just because something is in your FDD [Franchise Disclosure Document] or because your potential franchisor tells you something that it’s gospel. Understand that they have an agenda. Ideally, their best interests are aligned with yours, but that balance can vary depending on the franchisor.Before we looked into childcare, I had explored a few other franchisors in different industries. Thankfully, Madison’s dad is kind of a serial franchisee, so I was able to go to him and ask for advice. He would straight-up tell me if something was insane. Some of the offers I got — he couldn’t believe anyone was trying to sell me on them.So my biggest piece of advice: Find someone who’s done it before, preferably someone who’s done it multiple times. Talk to them. Make sure they feel some ownership over your experience and understand how much you’re relying on their input.Madison:&nbsp;I think you also need to find a franchise that aligns with your mission and values. It’s a lot easier to work with a franchisor when you’re on the same page. That alignment has been a big game changer for us. If we weren’t aligned with the brand, it would be a lot harder.So, if you're considering becoming a franchisee, make sure you're 100% aligned with the franchisor. That makes it a lot easier to move forward and work together effectively.About Children’s LighthouseThe Children’s Lighthouse brand was established in Ft. Worth, Texas in 1997. The Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools® brand 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. 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.

Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

Kansas Parents Open Two Children’s Lighthouse Locations in Kansas

1851 Franchise

Tyler and Madison Wiggins take over two Children’s Lighthouse locations in Gardner and Olathe, Kansas, bringing a parent’s perspective and a passion for early education to their community.

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

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

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<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadene-habboush-76708b2">Nadene Habboush</a> built her career around education, so&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> was a natural fit when she began looking at franchising. Today, she owns multiple locations in North Texas, including a newer school in Princeton that saw enrollment climb quickly after opening.“First and foremost, I am a mother of two,” Habboush said. “My background is entirely in education; I studied to be an elementary school teacher in South Africa.”After moving to the United States, Habboush immersed herself in early childhood education, working in roles ranging from teaching two-year-olds to a being kindergarten educator. Her career decisions were always guided by one priority: staying closely connected to her children’s development.“When we moved to America, I didn’t know the system here, and I struggled with the idea of who I was leaving my children with,” she said. “My solution was to work where they were.”That hands-on experience, combined with years of observing what makes a strong educational environment, eventually sparked a bigger idea. “My husband and I eventually wanted to start a business, but we wanted it to be fulfilling,” she said. “That homework eventually led us to realize that this was a model we could successfully bring to our community ourselves.”<h2>Why Franchising Made Sense</h2>While Habboush had deep expertise in education, she recognized the operational complexities of running a preschool business. That realization led her to explore franchising — and ultimately to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>.“My husband came across a video from [President]&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brown-cfe-93022515/">Michael Brown</a> at Children’s Lighthouse, and I told him immediately, ‘We need to meet these people,’” she said. “They felt warm, inviting, and aligned with my values as a parent.”Beyond cultural alignment, the franchise model offered something critical:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/comprehensive-support-at-every-step-what-to-expect-from-childrens-lighthouse-2727896">structure and support</a>.“Opening a school is like drinking from a fire hose,” she said. “I needed the guidance on the business side — marketing, finance, and contracts — so I could focus on my strength: the operational excellence of the classroom.”For Habboush, franchising offered a way to pair her education background with the practical systems needed to run a school day to day. She knew what she wanted the classroom experience to look like, but Children’s Lighthouse gave her support in areas like marketing, finance and operations.“I originally thought about opening an independent school, but I would not have a fraction of the knowledge I have now if I hadn’t gone the franchise route,” she said. “They have the systems in place. You don’t have to reinvent the wheel.”<h2>Rapid Growth in Princeton</h2>After opening her first location in Allen, Texas, during the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, Habboush experienced firsthand how challenging (and rewarding) the business can be.“My first school in Allen opened during the height of COVID with only 12 kids,” she said. Fast forward to 2025, and her second location in Texas is telling a very different story. “Our Princeton location is booming,” she said. “We hit 111 children by month three.”Princeton’s early enrollment also reinforced Habboush’s confidence in the brand behind the school. As families came in, she said the&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-family-owned-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-advantage-2730967">support from Children’s Lighthouse</a> helped her stay focused on communication, accountability and the day-to-day trust required in early education.“The support and the integrity of the brand are phenomenal,” she said. “They are incredibly transparent. If we make a mistake, we own it and share the correction with parents. That honesty is vital when you are dealing with little children’s lives.”Serving families across Princeton, Greenville, New Hope, Farmersville, Lowry Crossing, and McKinney, her school is quickly becoming a trusted resource for early education in the region.<h2>Building for the Future</h2>Habboush isn’t slowing down. With strong early performance in Princeton, she’s already thinking about expansion. “In Princeton, we actually have an extra piece of land attached to the school,” she said. “Our plan is that as we get closer to capacity, we will build an additional section with extra classrooms to accommodate more families.”Long term,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-childrens-lighthouse-is-a-great-multi-unit-franchise-opportunity-2729355">multi-unit growth is part of the vision</a>. “We always have a third location in the back of our minds,” she said. “My goal isn’t just to hit a number, but to ensure that every time I walk into my school, I can say, ‘Yes, I would leave my own child here.’”A key part of Habboush’s mission is changing how families think about early childhood education. “I want parents to know that we aren’t a daycare — we are an early learning school,” she said. “My children attended a school that laid a very strong foundation for them, and it changed their entire academic career. I wanted to give other families that same advantage.”It’s a mission she sees reflected every day in the classroom. “When I see the ‘little light bulbs’ go on in a child’s eyes, I know we’re doing exactly what we set out to do,” she said.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>.

After years in the classroom, Nadene Habboush found a franchise model that gave her the structure to bring her vision for early childhood education to life.

How This Children’s Lighthouse Multi-Unit Franchisee Found Rapid Success in Princeton, Texas

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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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As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the global workforce, one question is becoming increasingly urgent for both employees and investors: Which industries will remain essential in the years ahead?From layoffs in tech to automation across white-collar roles, the shift is already underway. But while AI is disrupting many sectors, one category continues to stand apart: early childhood education. And for brands like&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the early education and childcare franchise, that creates a compelling opportunity at the intersection of purpose and long-term financial stability.<h2>AI Is Changing the Rules of Work</h2>The rise of AI is not theoretical — it’s already reshaping hiring, job security and career paths.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nu.edu/blog/ai-job-statistics/">According to recent workforce studies</a>, up to 30% of current job tasks could be automated by the early 2030s, with knowledge-based roles in finance, marketing, customer service and even software development among the most affected.This shift is contributing to a broader sense of uncertainty. Workers across industries are reevaluating their career paths, prioritizing stability, income resilience and industries that are less vulnerable to automation.“We are going to see changes in the job market, and people are really thinking about what jobs will still be out there in the future,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development for&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. “A lot of white-collar, knowledge economy jobs are going away. How can we thrive and maintain income for our families?”That question is driving more prospective entrepreneurs to explore business ownership — particularly in industries that are rooted in human interaction and essential services.<h2>Why Childcare Demand Is Only Growing</h2>While AI may replace tasks, it cannot replace fundamental societal needs. Childcare is one of them.In the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/12/11/single-income-households.html">the majority of households rely on dual incomes</a>, and workforce participation continues to rebound post-pandemic. At the same time,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomaspremuzic/2025/02/28/the-real-reasons-companies-are-forcing-you-back-to-the-office/">many companies are requiring employees to return to the office</a>, increasing the need for reliable, high-quality childcare.Kelton points to this trend as a major driver of sustained need. “Parents are going to continue to have to work and earn an income,” he said. “I was just talking to somebody who works in finance — she worked remote during COVID, but she’s being called back to the office. That is happening a lot in the tech world. So our demand is going to continue to grow.”The numbers support this.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/us-child-care-market">The $65 billion U.S. childcare market is projected to grow steadily over the next decade</a>, while supply remains constrained in many regions.For Children’s Lighthouse, that need is already visible across its system. “It’s a business that has incredible demand — the number of parents that have a need for our services is at a record level,” Kelton said. “We have waitlists all over the country.”<h2>The Human Element AI Can’t Replace</h2>At its core, early childhood education is about development, connection and care. These are areas where AI simply cannot compete.“AI is not changing diapers,” Kelton said. “There is still a human interaction of teaching kids, loving them, and helping them grow.”That human element is exactly what makes the industry so durable. While AI can process data, it cannot replicate emotional intelligence, hands-on care or the trust parents place in educators during a child’s most formative years.Children’s Lighthouse builds on this foundation with its&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouses-exceptional-curriculum-helps-the-brand-stand-out-as-a-childcare-franchise-2727632">proprietary Lighthouse Pathways® curriculum</a>, which focuses on both academic readiness and social-emotional development — further reinforcing the brand’s positioning as an early learning institution rather than a traditional daycare.<h2>Turning Uncertainty Into Opportunity</h2>The AI revolution is forcing a reset across the workforce. For many, that reset is unsettling. But for others, it’s a moment to rethink how they earn, invest and build for the future.Early childhood education and brands like Children’s Lighthouse offer a rare combination: essential demand, limited automation risk and meaningful impact.“People are asking themselves, ‘What is going to be around in five or ten years?’” Kelton said. “This is an industry that isn’t going anywhere.”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>.

As AI reshapes the job market, service businesses built on human connection stand out. Children’s Lighthouse offers entrepreneurs both purpose and financial potential.

How AI Is Reshaping the Job Market and Why It Can’t Replace Early Childhood Education

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When families evaluate early education options today, they are looking for more than academics and more than care. More and more, parents are looking for learning environments that help their children build confidence, kindness, and resilience. At&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, that goal is built into the model.Through a structured, research-informed approach to character values and social-emotional development, the brand has created a curriculum that supports the whole child, while giving franchisees a powerful, differentiated story to bring to their communities.<h2>What Character Values Education Really Means</h2>At&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, character education is not a poster on the wall or a one-time lesson. It is a systematic, year-round framework embedded into daily learning experiences.“We have a character value for every month throughout the entire year,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kristi-martin-smith-2653aa3b/">Dr. Kristi Smith</a>, Director of Education and Training. “We understand that parenting styles have shifted, and we are here to help parents and children make a connection between character values and positive social and emotional growth and development.”Each month introduces a new value, like cooperation, responsibility, or empathy, through a thoughtfully designed curriculum that integrates storytelling, activities, and real-world application.“We do that through a friendly, fun character every month,” Smith said. “Animals presented in their natural environment, which really hits that Montessori element of using real-life examples.”<h2>From Cooperation to Confidence: How It Comes to Life</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/values-based-curriculum-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-competitive-edge-2731093">The power of the curriculum</a> lies in its deep integration across every learning domain.Take September’s character value: cooperation. “When we talk about character values, it doesn’t just stop at social and emotional learning,” Smith said. “In September, for example, we have Cody the Collie, who lives in a lighthouse. His character value is cooperation. We start out the school year talking about that, working together and cooperating in the classroom and community. Letter ‘C’ is also the letter of the month, and it all ties back into character values.”This layered approach ensures that children are not just hearing about values. They are practicing them, connecting them to academics and applying them in real-life situations.It also creates consistency across classrooms and age groups, reinforcing those lessons over time. “We have components for all age groups,” Smith said. “Our teachers lead these lessons, but they also casually read the books to infants and toddlers throughout the day, helping make that home-to-school connection with positive character values.”In today’s parenting landscape, many families prioritize independence and exploration, but may not always explicitly teach character values.&nbsp;“When I was growing up, there was the golden rule up on the wall. There were very clear expectations,” Smith said. “But today, it is taught more indirectly with parents.”That shift has created&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-franchise-expansion-2025-2026-pipeline-2731091">a growing demand for schools that can fill the gap</a>. The importance of this work is backed by research. Early childhood is when foundational social-emotional skills like empathy, self-regulation, and collaboration are formed. These skills directly influence academic success, relationships, and long-term outcomes.<h2>Learning Through Relationships and Real Experiences</h2>One of the defining elements of the Children’s Lighthouse approach is its emphasis on relationships. “Children learn through relationships,” Smith said. “So we also stress that teachers model the character values so that children can internalize what they are learning.”This modeling is critical. Instead of simply instructing children on how to behave, educators demonstrate those behaviors daily.Similarly, for parents, one of the biggest challenges in early education is understanding how to reinforce learning at home. Children’s Lighthouse addresses this by making character values visible and accessible beyond the classroom.Books, storytelling, and daily reinforcement help bridge that gap. “Our goal is to strengthen those home-to-school connections,” Smith said. “Trying to help children develop those long-term positive character value habits.”By aligning what children learn at school with what families can practice at home, the curriculum creates the consistency that is such an important element in early development.<h2>A Meaningful Differentiator for Franchisees</h2>In a crowded childcare market, differentiation matters. And for Children’s Lighthouse franchisees, the character values curriculum is also a business advantage. Parents are increasingly seeking programs that go beyond supervision and academics. They want intentional development, visible outcomes and a nurturing environment that prepares their children for life.<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouses-exceptional-curriculum-helps-the-brand-stand-out-as-a-childcare-franchise-2727632">Children’s Lighthouse delivers all three</a>. By embedding character education into a research-driven, accredited curriculum, franchisees can confidently position their schools as true early learning environments.“When parents see what we’re doing — the rigor, the values, the curiosity — they know this is education, not just childcare,” Smith said. “Our end goal is to help children develop those long-term positive character value habits.”For families, that means peace of mind. For children, it means a stronger foundation for the future. And for franchisees, it means being part of a model that stands out for all the right reasons.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>.

By combining intentional character education with academic rigor, Children’s Lighthouse equips children (and franchisees) for long-term success.

How Children’s Lighthouse Builds Social-Emotional Strength Through Values-Based Learning

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> will be in Orlando for&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/orlando-visitor">The National Franchise Show</a> on April 25-26, 2026, where the brand plans to meet with prospective franchisees interested in early education at Booth #319.Held at the Orange County Convention Center, the event is Florida’s largest “Own Your Own Business” showcase, bringing together top franchise brands and aspiring entrepreneurs for two days of in-person networking, education, and discovery.<ul><li>Saturday, April 25: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.</li><li>Sunday, April 26: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.</li></ul>Access a free ticket to the show&nbsp;<a href="https://www.franchiseshowinfo.com/orlando-exhibitor/exhibitor-manual-live">here</a>.With a proven model, a differentiated curriculum, and a clear runway for growth across Florida,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> is using the event to connect with candidates interested in building meaningful, scalable businesses in high-demand markets.<h2>A Proven Brand with Deep Roots in Orlando</h2>With an established foundation, Children's Lighthouse has a clear path forward in the Orlando market.“Children’s Lighthouse has an established presence in the Orlando area with a school in Winter Garden that has been serving families since 2005,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Development. “With more than two decades of operation, the school has built a strong reputation in the community and has been recognized as a top preschool in the market, including being named ‘Best Preschool’ by Orlando City Magazine in 2024.”That long-standing success signals both brand credibility and unmet demand. “The Orlando market is well-positioned to support approximately six to eight Children’s Lighthouse schools over time,” Kelton said. “This reflects the size of the metro area, continued population growth and the availability of high-quality suburban trade areas that align with our model.”<h2>Why Orlando Is a High-Potential Growth Market</h2>With more people moving in, more jobs being created and more young families putting down roots, Orlando stands out as a strong fit for Children’s Lighthouse’s early education model.“Orlando is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the United States, driven by strong population growth, job creation and continued migration from across the country and internationally,” Kelton said. “The region benefits from a diverse economy spanning healthcare, technology, tourism, and professional services, creating a large base of dual-income households.”That demographic shift is critical. “These families are seeking high-quality early education and care, making Orlando an ideal fit for the Children’s Lighthouse model,” he said.The brand is specifically targeting high-growth suburban corridors where family density and new housing development are expanding, including:<ul><li>Horizon West/Winter Garden/Windermere</li><li>Lake Nona</li><li>Clermont/Minneola</li><li>Kissimmee/St. Cloud</li><li>Oviedo/Winter Springs/Sanford corridor</li></ul>“In Orlando, we’re prioritizing locations within rapidly expanding suburban corridors and master-planned communities where young families are relocating,” Kelton said. “We focus on high-visibility, accessible sites near residential growth, major commuter routes and community anchors.”<h2>A Measured, Scalable Development Strategy</h2>Rather than over-saturating the Orlando market, Children’s Lighthouse is taking a disciplined, long-term approach to growth.“Children’s Lighthouse anticipates a measured and strategic rollout,” Kelton said.<ul><li>Year 1: 1 new location</li><li>Year 3: 2 to 3 locations</li><li>Year 5: 4 to 5 locations</li><li>Year 10: 6 to 8 locations</li></ul>“This approach ensures that each school is thoughtfully placed and positioned for long-term success,” he said. For franchisees, that translates into protected territories, strong site selection support and the ability to scale over time.<h2>Expanding Beyond Orlando: Tampa Bay and Southwest Florida</h2>Orlando remains a key market for Children’s Lighthouse, but the brand is also looking more broadly at opportunities across Florida.<ul><li>Tampa Bay: projected capacity of 4 to 6 schools</li><li>Southwest Florida (Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral): projected capacity of 4 to 6 schools</li></ul>“The brand recently signed a franchise agreement in Naples, further reinforcing its commitment to expanding in Southwest Florida,” Kelton said.Together, these markets represent a significant opportunity for both single-unit and multi-unit operators looking to establish a presence in one of the country’s fastest-growing states.<h2>Meeting Future Owners Face-to-Face</h2>At The National Franchise Show, Children’s Lighthouse will connect directly with prospective franchisees exploring business ownership, many for the first time.The event offers attendees the chance to meet brands face-to-face, explore full- and part-time opportunities, attend educational seminars on franchising, financing, and business ownership, and compare opportunities across industries.“With strong demand, clear market capacity, and a differentiated offering centered on character values and early childhood development, this is a unique moment for franchisees to enter the Children’s Lighthouse system in Florida,” Kelton said.<h2>A Purpose-Driven Opportunity in a High-Demand Industry</h2>Demand for trusted early education remains strong, especially in fast-growing suburban areas, and Children’s Lighthouse is looking to meet that need with a model built around both mission and business performance. For franchisees, that creates an opportunity to build something financially sound while also making a meaningful difference for families in their communities.Prospective owners attending the Orlando show will have the opportunity to meet the team, explore available territories and learn how they can play a role in expanding Children’s Lighthouse across Florida’s most dynamic markets.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>.

With strong demand for early education and significant whitespace across Florida, Children’s Lighthouse is meeting prospective franchisees at one of the region’s largest business ownership events.

Children’s Lighthouse to Exhibit at The National Franchise Show in Orlando, Showcasing Growth Across Florida

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> brought franchise owners from across the system together for its 2026 Franchise Conference, centered on a clear theme: Culture and Connection. The event served as both a celebration of the brand’s achievements and a strategic alignment moment heading into a pivotal year.“This conference was really about alignment,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Development. “As a system, we’ve built strong demand. Now it’s about executing at a high level across every school, every day. Culture and connection are operational drivers. When those two things are strong, performance follows. We’re entering a phase where consistency across the system is what will separate us in the market.”<h2>Marketing: Demand Is Strong, but Conversion Is the Opportunity</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> enters 2026 by building on a strong national marketing campaign that ran from March through July 2025. The result was a 9.5% increase in leads and a 4.5% jump in revenue compared to the previous year. As awareness continues to rise, school-level execution becomes the deciding factor in turning interest into enrollment. Responsiveness, the quality of the tour experience and consistent follow-up will ultimately determine how effectively each location captures demand.Looking ahead, the 2026 brand campaign, launched mid-February and will continue through August, will target parents of children ages 0-8 within a highly focused 2- to 3-mile radius of each school. The campaign will leverage a multi-channel approach across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, display advertising, retargeting and connected TV, ensuring consistent brand visibility throughout the parent decision-making journey.To support franchisees in improving local execution, Children’s Lighthouse is introducing a suite of AI-powered tools launching April 1. These include AI webchat to provide 24/7 responses to parent inquiries, a Genius Search Agent to automate local SEO and Google presence, and a Reputation Agent to monitor and respond to reviews. With 91% of all website chats currently going unanswered, these tools are designed to significantly improve responsiveness, reduce manual workload and ensure that no opportunity is missed.&nbsp;<h2>Operations: Elevating Standards Through System Accreditation</h2>One of the most significant announcements from the conference was the decision to pursue&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cognia.org/accreditation/">Cognia System Accreditation</a>. This accreditation is a third-party seal of approval for quality and operational standards, and also helps the entire system stay current with the changing rules around Universal Pre-K and Education Savings Account funding.On a bigger level, this effort creates a single, consistent set of standards across all locations. That consistency is key, It highlights the brand's solid dedication to being excellent. With more competition and parents expecting more, this accreditation is not just a way to run things, but a strong, unique benefit owners can talk about in their marketing.<h2>Franchise Development: Acting on Expansion Opportunities</h2>The conference also highlighted the rapidly shifting landscape of early education real estate, emphasizing the importance of acting early on expansion. Rising land costs, increased competition for sites and faster decision-making by developers mean that prime locations will soon become more difficult — and more expensive — to secure.Available land is disappearing quickly. Sites that were available a year or 18 months ago are often no longer on the market or now cost significantly more, especially in master-planned communities where parcels are being absorbed fast. As a result, Children's Lighthouse is really encouraging franchisees to evaluate expansion opportunities&nbsp;now, even if development is still further down the road.To support this, the brand is offering one-on-one expansion strategy sessions,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-the-lease-program-lowers-the-cost-of-entry-into-becoming-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-2728540">a build-to-suit lease program</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-to-get-financed-to-open-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-2728462">SBA financing support</a> and a Site First Program designed to help franchisees secure high-quality real estate early in the process. The message is clear: while building may not happen right away, controlling the right site is a critical step in long-term growth.<h2>Celebrating Excellence: 2026 Award Winners</h2>The annual awards ceremony was another major highlight, shining a spotlight on the franchisees and leaders who truly live the brand's core values — integrity, passion, excellence, and community impact.<h3>New School of the Year</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/kyle/about-the-owner">Brad Fink and Connor Matthews — Children’s Lighthouse of Kyle</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/princeton/meet-the-owners">Nadene and Isam Habboush — Children’s Lighthouse of Princeton</a></li></ul><h3>Community Partner Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/lakehouston/about-the-owner">Kelly and John Pritchard — Children’s Lighthouse of Houston (Lake Houston)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/seabrook">Tonya Porter — Children’s Lighthouse of Seabrook</a></li></ul><h3>Integrity Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/anna">Latha Elen and Elen Singaravelu — Children’s Lighthouse of Anna</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/stoneoak/about-the-owners">Tara and Justin Leggett — Children’s Lighthouse of San Antonio (Stone Oak)</a></li></ul><h3>Passion Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/grandmission/aboutmgt">Amanda and Brian Fisk — Children’s Lighthouse of Richmond (Grand Mission)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/hooveral/our-owner">Dr. Ira Sullivan — Children’s Lighthouse of Hoover</a></li></ul><h3>Excellence Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/harvestgreen/about-the-owners">Karen and Zeff Walcher — Children’s Lighthouse of Richmond (Harvest Green)</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/kyle/about-the-owner">Brad Fink and Connor Matthews — Children’s Lighthouse of Kyle</a></li></ul><h3>Lighthouse Pride Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/allen/meet-the-owners">Nadene and Isam Habboush — Children’s Lighthouse of Princeton and Allen</a></li><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/latisha-king-27b9a786/">Latisha King — Director of Field Operations, Franchise Support Center</a></li><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennatkari-benavides/">Jennifer Atkari — Franchise Business Coach, Franchise Support Center</a> &nbsp;</li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/newbraunfels/meet-the-owners">Ashley and Ryan Hempton — Children’s Lighthouse of New Braunfels</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-sherman-68480677/">Anna Sherman — Director of Franchise Development, Franchise Support Center</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelsey-lance-211a7a346/">Kelsey Lance — Brand Marketing Coach, Franchise Support Center</a></li></ul><h3>Founders Award</h3><ul><li>2024:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/leesville/about-the-owners">Sheetal and Vishal Thomas — Children’s Lighthouse of Raleigh</a></li><li>2025:&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthouse.com/oakforest/meet-the-owners">Alexis and John Legg — Children’s Lighthouse of Houston (Oak Forest)</a></li></ul><h2>Looking Ahead to the Future</h2>Children’s Lighthouse has seen strong momentum so far this year, a growing footprint and a clear strategic roadmap. Following a year that included 15 franchise signings, multiple new openings and expansion into new states, the brand is positioned for continued, intentional growth.“2026 is going to reward operators who execute consistently,” Kelton said. “The systems are in place. Now it’s about how well we use them.”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>.

The 2026 Children's Lighthouse Conference hammered home that the best way to turn high demand into real, long-term growth is through consistent execution at the local level. 

An Inside Look at Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Conference Recap and Award Winners

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For decades, entering the early learning franchise space has required significant upfront capital. At&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, that narrative is changing.By offering flexible development models, smart financing partnerships, and creative ways to own a franchise, the brand is actively making it easier to join while still keeping its high-quality, real estate-backed model. The payoff? More ambitious people can get into a high-demand, stable business without being weighed down by all the costs of traditional development.<h2>Rethinking the Traditional Investment Model</h2>Historically, building a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> school meant purchasing land and constructing a ground-up facility, which is an investment that can range from&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/franchise-deep-dive-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2726111">$6 million to $7 million</a>.While this traditional model still offers significant long-term upside through real estate ownership, Children’s Lighthouse recognizes that not every entrepreneur wants — or needs — to start there. That’s why the brand has expanded its approach to include more flexible, capital-efficient entry points.One of the most impactful innovations is the build-to-suit model, which dramatically reduces the initial cash required to open a location.“The build-to-suit is when an investment group buys the building, the franchisee pays for the fixtures and startup capital, and that can bring it to a much lower cash injection,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton/">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development.Essentially, this setup takes the stress of buying land and building off the franchisee's plate, placing that responsibility with a third-party investment group. This frees the franchisee to concentrate on getting kids enrolled and growing the business. It also makes it easier for entrepreneurs — especially those with great hands-on experience but maybe not a huge pile of cash up front — to get started.Similar to&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-the-lease-program-lowers-the-cost-of-entry-into-becoming-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-2728540">the brand’s Lease Program</a>, this approach opens the door for multi-unit ownership by freeing up capital that would otherwise be tied up in real estate.<h2>Financing That Works for Franchisees</h2>Beyond development flexibility, Children’s Lighthouse has built a&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-to-get-financed-to-open-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchise-2728462">robust ecosystem of financing support</a> designed to guide franchisees through every stage of the process.“We have a whole list of preferred SBA vendors who can get franchisees up to 90% funding,” Kelton said. “You can also use a ROBS account. We also have a lot of partnerships. Private equity loves this model, for example. When franchisees sign on with the brand, we explain all the funding options and what that looks like.”By connecting franchisees with experienced lenders and funding partners, the brand helps simplify what can otherwise be a complex and intimidating process. Whether through SBA-backed loans, retirement account rollovers (ROBS), or investor partnerships, franchisees have multiple pathways to secure the capital they need.This hands-on approach ensures that prospective owners aren’t navigating financing alone — a key differentiator in a capital-intensive industry like childcare.<h2>Lower Costs, Greater Scalability</h2>Lowering the initial investment also unlocks faster growth potential. With traditional ground-up development, a franchisee’s capital is often concentrated in a single location. But with build-to-suit or lease-based models, that same capital can be deployed across multiple schools.“With a traditional investment, if you have millions to spend, you’re often opening one school,” Kelton said. “With our alternative models, you can scale much faster.”This ability to grow more efficiently is particularly appealing to multi-unit operators and investors looking to build a portfolio of locations within a high-demand category.Importantly, while Children’s Lighthouse is lowering the barrier to entry,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-childrens-lighthouses-exceptional-curriculum-helps-the-brand-stand-out-as-a-childcare-franchise-2727632">it is not lowering its standards</a>.Each location remains a purpose-built, approximately 10,000-square-foot early education school designed to serve families in high-growth communities. The brand continues to prioritize premium real estate, high-quality construction and a strong curriculum.At the same time, these new ownership pathways allow a broader range of entrepreneurs to participate in that model. And the timing for these innovations couldn’t be better. Demand for high-quality childcare continues to outpace supply across the country, driven by dual-income households, return-to-office trends and limited availability of premium providers.By making ownership more accessible, Children’s Lighthouse is not only helping franchisees succeed — it’s also accelerating its ability to meet this growing demand in communities nationwide.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>.

Through financing partnerships and build-to-suit options, Children’s Lighthouse is lowering startup costs and making premium early childhood education franchise ownership more accessible.

From Corporate Careers to Community Roots: Kansas Couple Revitalizes Local Childcare With Children’s Lighthouse

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