Children's Lighthouse

In the world of early childhood education, one brand is quietly but powerfully capturing the attention of high-performing franchisees looking for more than just ROI.&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, a nationally recognized preschool franchise, continues to attract entrepreneurs who value strong systems, meaningful impact, and the ability to scale.Whether they come from tech, hospitality, law, or the military, franchisees are choosing — and staying with —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> for three big reasons: its curriculum-first approach, authentic family feel, and attractive investment built to maximize profitability.<h2>A Curriculum That Sets the Standard</h2>For&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-legg/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Alexis Legg</a>, a former teacher and hospitality leader, it was the brand’s research-backed curriculum that sealed the deal.“I was really surprised and impressed by their curriculum,” Legg said. “It’s STREAM-based — science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and mathematics — but what really blew me away was the character values component. Every month, the children are learning things like integrity, responsibility, honesty — really important life skills that make well-rounded little human beings.”Legg is now a multi-unit franchisee, having already signed her second agreement after opening the brand’s first urban location in Houston during the pandemic. The curriculum, she says, helps Children’s Lighthouse stand apart in a competitive market.“We’re not just warm bodies watching your babies all day. We are people trying to educate your children,” she said. “We’re dealing with parents’ two most valuable assets — their children and their money. So it’s incredibly important for us to build trust.”Franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y285HO_Gao&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Steve Kulawik</a> echoed the same sentiment. “The model was awesome. It was small, family-oriented, and we felt like we could really be part of something.”<h2>A Real Family Feel&nbsp;</h2>That sense of community isn’t just talk — it’s baked into&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-the-family-owned-franchise-making-dreams-come-true-in-the-59-billion-child-care-category-2726092">the culture of Children’s Lighthouse</a>, from the founding family to the newest franchisee.“My first call with someone at the corporate office, it just felt right,” Legg said. “They’re still family-owned and operated. They put a lot of emphasis on being family-focused, which I really appreciated — both as a potential franchisee and as someone who values education.”Kulawik had a similar experience when he first met founder Mike Brown. “It felt like I was talking to my best friend,” he said. “He made taking the plunge a whole lot easier.”Now nearly 20 years into franchising, Kulawik says the culture hasn’t changed. “We’ve said, ‘We’re getting bigger,’ but it doesn’t feel like it. That’s thanks to the Brown family and the way they’ve maintained a close-knit, family-oriented atmosphere. I don’t have any fear of it turning into something it’s not.”That authenticity matters to franchisees who are building schools in the communities where they live. “I live in the same community where my school is,” Legg said. “So to me, it was really important to have that exemplary school, because we didn’t have anything like that at the time.”<h2>A Smarter Investment With More Support, Less Overhead</h2>Beyond its educational impact, Children’s Lighthouse offers a highly attractive investment model in the more than&nbsp;<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/03/06/2841618/0/en/U-S-Child-Care-Market-Size-to-Surpass-USD-88-22-Billion-by-2033.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$65 billion&nbsp;childcare market</a>. One benefit that sets it apart, for example, is&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-unveiling-the-revised-item-19-2728935">commercial real estate ownership</a>. Franchisees not only build a business — they build long-term equity.“You’ve got a 10,000-square-foot building sitting on almost two acres of land,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=why-franchisees-are-buying-and-expanding-with-childrens-lighthouse-2730081" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development. “In 15 years, you can potentially sell it for a significant multiple of what you paid for it.&nbsp;“When you compare it to other types of commercial real estate, it’s on the lower slope — and it comes with strong unit-level economics.”Similarly,&nbsp;franchisees also appreciate&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/explaining-the-fdd-how-to-read-childrens-lighthouses-franchise-disclosure-document-2728399">the brand’s small marketing fund</a>, a major differentiator in the early education space. “One of our key differentiators is that we’re still owned by the Brown family —&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/executive-qa-michael-brown-president-of-childrens-lighthouse-2726984">Michael</a> is the president — whereas many of our competitors are backed by private equity,” Kelton said. “That means they typically have more fees and are more driven by P&amp;L. We’re not. Our national ad fund covers everything and is just half of one percent monthly. Competitors are often charging 3 to 4 percent, which can add up to $80,000 to $90,000 more per school on average. They also tend to tack on additional fees across the board. Our goal isn’t to have 800 schools — it’s to have the best of the best. We want to deliver best-in-class support and ensure our franchisees are running incredibly profitable businesses. When we evaluate fees, we’re focused on making sure they deliver real value.”Unlike other franchise models, Children’s Lighthouse is designed with&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/the-lifestyle-benefits-of-being-a-childrens-lighthouse-franchisee-2729023">scalability and lifestyle in mind</a>. “You’re not open nights or weekends,” Kulawik said. “Once you’ve got good managers in place, you can oversee things without being there every day.”That freedom has been life-changing for franchisees like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-franchise-san-antonio-justin-leggett-2729832">Justin Leggett</a>, a former IT architect in San Antonio. “In my old job, I was gone from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day,” he said. “Now, just the time we get to spend with our kids has been invaluable. The freedom that it has created — I wouldn’t trade that for anything in the world.”<h2>Built for Growth and Built to Last</h2>It’s not just that franchisees are buying into Children’s Lighthouse. It’s that they’re staying — and expanding.“They truly want to see everyone succeed,” Legg said. “If you're successful in school number one, then opening school number two is a no-brainer. The brand is super supportive of expansion and growth.”That’s reflected in the numbers and the stories. Children’s Lighthouse has never had an SBA loan failure in its system, for example. Multi-unit owners like&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/advice-from-a-multi-unit-franchisee-ramesh-sakarepalle-childrens-lighthouse-2726666">Ramesh Sakarepalle and Jyothi Oblum</a> now operate five schools and say the consistency of the model makes it easy to scale.“Once you have mastered the model, your investment can turn into financial benefit which you can invest in multiple units,” Sakarepalle said.With a growing demand for high-quality childcare, a curriculum that goes beyond academics, a business model that offers both financial returns and lifestyle flexibility, and a culture that feels like family, it’s no surprise that Children’s Lighthouse is becoming the go-to franchise for serious operators looking to grow with purpose. The brand has available white space in key growth markets such as Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Orlando, and Denver.“It’s really an intriguing model,” Kelton said. “Banks like it. Private equity loves it. And you’re still offering a critical service to your community. It’s a great business, a community service, and a long-term asset. That’s hard to beat.”To learn more about investing in a Children’s Lighthouse franchise, visit<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse">1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse</a>.

Why Children's Lighthouse Franchisees Are Expanding Beyond ROI

1851 Franchise

Children's Lighthouse attracts and retains high-performing franchisees through its curriculum-first approach, authentic family feel, and business model built for long-term growth and profitability.

This brand page has been paid for by CHILDREN'S LIGHTHOUSE. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

Why Franchisees Are Buying — and Expanding — with Children’s Lighthouse

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How Families Are Building Brighter Futures Together With Children’s Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Closes the Third Quarter with Record Franchise Signings and New School Opening

Why Family-Owned Children’s Lighthouse Gives Franchisees a Long-Term Advantage

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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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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>.

Values-Based Curriculum Gives Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge

Why a Values-Based Curriculum Gives Children’s Lighthouse Franchise Owners a Competitive Edge

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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

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

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<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a> has long differentiated itself in the early learning category through its research-based curriculum, family-first values, and nearly 30 years of proven performance. But in an increasingly competitive childcare and early education market — and in a world where parents expect more visibility, more safety, and more connection — the brand has doubled down on one of its greatest competitive advantages: technology that is built in-house, customized for franchisee operations, and designed to elevate the entire family experience.From AI-powered camera systems to a proprietary Digital Parent Board and a fully custom CMS and intranet,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a> has invested heavily in tools that strengthen transparency, streamline operations and support stronger learning outcomes.&nbsp;“Everything from marketing to operations, we are very heavily tied to tech. A lot of it is proprietary to us,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/berrycolin">Colin Berry</a>, Vice President of Brand Development. “Our franchisor has invested heavily on the tech side of things to ensure we’re competing at the highest level of our competition.”<h2>Custom Technology, Built In-House for a High-Performance System</h2>Unlike many childcare brands that rely on third-party platforms, Children’s Lighthouse has intentionally built much of its technology internally to ensure flexibility, speed of iteration, and alignment with the realities of operating an early learning school.A prime example is the brand’s proprietary school walkthrough app, designed for franchise business consultants (FBCs). “It’s developed by our internal developers so our FBCs can go into schools and ensure ratios are aligned and everyone has the appropriate marketing and operational materials,” Berry said. “They’re ultimately teaching and operating the way they should. It allows them to align and share feedback and data with franchise owners.”This creates a real-time operational feedback loop that improves consistency across the system and gives franchisees actionable insights to run a stronger school.The same philosophy guided the creation of the brand’s intranet, a centralized home for documentation, training and performance metrics.“We developed our own intranet where franchisees can see all our operational documents and all our training for staff,” Berry said. “Schools can input their numbers for the week and for the month so we can see how things are going.”This structure allows the Children’s Lighthouse team to analyze trends across schools, identify opportunities for coaching and give franchisees clearer visibility into performance.<h2>A Custom CMS and Website Engine Designed for Speed and Local Market Impact</h2>In a category where rigid corporate web templates bind most brands, Children’s Lighthouse offers something rare: a fully custom CMS that allows local operators to quickly create, optimize, and localize their school’s online presence.“Our website is a custom-built website — a completely customized CMS,” Berry said. “We can control that while also leveraging localization where many other brands can’t. An individual school or owner can have a Google index page within a matter of minutes.”This speed matters because families often evaluate their childcare options through digital discovery first. A localized, mobile-optimized digital footprint allows franchisees to appear in searches faster, convert leads more efficiently, and maintain a competitive presence in high-demand markets.<h2>AI-Powered Camera Systems: Transparent, Smarter, and Safer</h2>Children’s Lighthouse has also been ahead of the curve on one of the most transformative technologies in the industry:&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/childrens-lighthouse-emphasizes-safety-transparency-with-technology-forward-approach-2727685">AI-enhanced camera systems</a>.“We were one of the first to adopt AI camera systems,” Berry said. “About a quarter of our schools now have AI built into the camera system that can detect dangers and issues. It also makes sure that the appropriate amount of students are in a classroom. If they go out on a field trip or playtime, we ensure that the correct amount of children come back into the room.”AI monitoring elevates both safety and compliance — two of the most critical elements of early learning.This tech integrates with&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pbjtv.family&amp;hl=en_US">PB&amp;J TV's platform</a>, which provides high-definition, glitch-free live streaming that allows parents to check in during the day. For new parents especially, the emotional reassurance is powerful.“A parent might leave drop-off crying, feeling unsure, and within minutes a teacher can send a picture or the parent can log in and see their child smiling and playing,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/shellypair/">Shelly Pair</a>, Vice President of Operations. “All is well.”These layers of safety and connection — including alerts for unusual activity, license plate monitoring, and even weapon detection — reinforce Children’s Lighthouse’s commitment to creating the safest possible environment.<h2>The Digital Parent Board: Transparent Learning in Real Time</h2>Perhaps one of the most beloved tools for families is the Digital Parent Board, a proprietary feature unique to Children’s Lighthouse.Outside every classroom, parents can instantly see daily schedules, lesson plan highlights, curriculum themes and learning goals, upcoming school events, and real-time classroom updates.“We wanted to digitize those to ensure communication is a focus of our brand,” Berry said. “Parents can know what their children are learning at any given moment. That is something we are really proud of — and no other brand has that.”This tool serves dual purposes: It deepens parent trust and drastically reduces the communication burden on teachers and directors. It also reinforces the brand’s position as a premier early learning institution, not simply childcare.<h2>A Better Experience for Children, Parents, and Franchisees</h2>At Children’s Lighthouse, technology is not a gimmick or add-on. It’s an integral part of how the brand delivers on its promise of safety, transparency, and meaningful learning.“Our focus has always been on creating a safe and enriching environment where families feel connected and engaged,” Berry said. “The technology we implement is a key component in achieving that goal.”The technological edge Children's Lighthouse offers&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/why-childrens-lighthouse-is-the-perfect-fit-for-hospitality-professionals-2730536">prospective owners</a> results in higher parent satisfaction, which fuels stronger enrollment and retention. This same innovation also ensures streamlined operations, improved compliance, and systemwide consistency with effective coaching, ultimately providing a key differentiator in a competitive market.As demand for high-quality early learning continues to rise, Children’s Lighthouse’s tech-forward model positions both families and franchisees for a better, safer, more connected experience.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>.

Children's Lighthouse Franchise - Technology - 1851 Franchise

How Children’s Lighthouse Uses Innovation to Elevate the Early Learning Experience

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FORT WORTH, Texas —&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">Children’s Lighthouse</a>, the nationally recognized early learning school franchise, is closing out the third quarter of 2025 with record-breaking growth, including eight new franchise signings, a new school opening, and a robust development pipeline heading into 2026.&nbsp;This summer, the brand awarded eight new franchise agreements across four major markets, including three in Dallas-Fort Worth, three in Houston, one in Georgetown, Texas, and one in Indianapolis, the brand’s first school in Indiana.&nbsp;In addition, the brand recently celebrated the opening of a new school in Princeton, Texas, further expanding its strong presence in the DFW metroplex.“These signings represent our largest summer of franchise growth to date,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-kelton">Matt Kelton</a>, Vice President of Franchise Development at&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/childrens-lighthouse/info">Children’s Lighthouse</a>. “The fact that we are attracting both new franchisees and seeing continued reinvestment from existing operators tells us that the confidence in our model and mission is stronger than ever. We’re particularly excited to enter Indiana for the first time — a great sign of our expanding national footprint.”The momentum doesn’t stop with new signings and openings. Children’s Lighthouse has three additional schools scheduled to open in Q1 of 2026, including locations in West Frisco and Midlothian, Texas, and Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.“We’re entering a period of accelerated growth, not just in Texas but across the country,” Kelton said. “Parents everywhere are looking for high-quality, values-based early education, and Children’s Lighthouse continues to deliver on that promise. Our franchisees are at the heart of this mission, and we’re proud to support their success.”The record-setting third quarter builds on the brand’s strong mid-year momentum, which included multiple school openings, groundbreaking events, and the expansion of corporate infrastructure with a new headquarters designed to better support franchisees.“From opening new schools and breaking into new states, to building out our support systems, everything we’re doing is about laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term growth,” Kelton said. “We’re on track to meet our 2025 franchise development goals, and we’re confident that the best is yet to come.”To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/">https://childrenslighthousefranchise.com/</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 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. &nbsp;

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Why Franchisees Are Buying — and Expanding — with Children’s Lighthouse

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