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No one can deny the importance of learning, but<a href="https://lightbridgeacademyfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=physical-activity-is-just-as-important-as-learning-through-play-2709620" target="_blank" rel="nofollow" style="text-decoration-line:none" target="_blank"> Lightbridge Academy</a> also focuses on another major aspect of a child&rsquo;s growth and development: physical activity. According to the Child Development Institute, 75 percent of brain development occurs after birth. Physical activity helps a child to develop connections between the nerve cells and the brain.

Studies show that children who have higher levels of physical activity during their childhood are likely to be more active as they mature. Physical activities promotes healthy growth and development building healthier bodies, stronger bones and muscles.

The value of physical activity for young children is not a new concept, said President and Chief Operating Officer Gigi Schweikert. The franchise brand provides a variety of physical activities for children, and this includes yoga, stretching and balance, which all help with focus.

&ldquo;We recognized 20 years ago when we started the company that children are whole-body, hands-on learners,&rdquo; she said. &ldquo;The design of our centers fosters a child&rsquo;s innate desire to continually move.&rdquo;

&ldquo;It starts with having the space for children to move, even as infants,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;We like our rooms to be bigger than what the state requires.&rdquo;

Space in centers is also devoted to what the Lightbridge Academy team refers to as &ldquo;multi-purpose rooms.&rdquo; These are rooms that can be used for large or small group physical activity during inclement weather.

&ldquo;This provides the space for the children run around and have fun,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;When we host extracurricular vendor partners to provide services for our children and even parents, we use the multipurpose room to accommodate them.&rdquo;

And physical activity is not limited to children who can walk. Lightbridge Academy also creates spaces in which infants can explore movement.

&ldquo;We have padded synthetic grass on our entire outdoor learning environment,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;Even the youngest babies explore the outdoors the sounds, sights and free something that sets us apart from a lot of our competitors. We make sure it&#39;s clean, safe and allows children the ability to explore and get physical exercise in. In order to support movement, you have to invest in the space for young children to do so.&rdquo;

Physical activity is also an integral part of the daily curriculum at Lightbridge Academy. 

&ldquo;When we&#39;re working with older children on handwriting, which is a motor skill, we do that with whole body movement,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;Certain types of movement help children master more detailed and specific motor skills. These activities helps them to properly hold and manipulate a pencil or scissors. If we&#39;re working on coding, we may have a student do it as a &lsquo;real life&rsquo; idea - showing how movements up and down stairs mimic the way that coding works. We may have children march out to the playground or jump up before they wash their hands. We are always looking for creative ways large and small to get them moving, and foster it.&rdquo;

It can be tough to encourage physical activity when playing on screen devices can be so much more tempting, but creating time to address body movement is crucial for healthy development.

&ldquo;Our society and technology is causing children to limit their movement,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;There are very few children who aren&rsquo;t naturally very physically active. What are careful about balancing the screen time with encouraging children to be active. Our programs are set-up to utilize screen time in ways that are beneficial, but not limit their movement.&rdquo;

Lightbridge Academy also makes sure to stay tuned in to children who are not necessarily innate athletes. Schweikert noted that some kids, for example, might be more introspective and inclined to activities such as the arts.

&ldquo;It&#39;s not good or bad to be one or the other - but we want all children to be healthy, safe and develop healthy eating habits and good movement skills that are going to benefit them through life,&rdquo; she said. Activities as simple as going for a walk or to the local park or even going out in your backyard can be hugely beneficial.

&ldquo;We need to set a good example for your children,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;Role modeling is the greatest form of teaching. If you&#39;re inside all of the time and you aren&#39;t running, walking, going outside, playing sports, etc. then your children will develop those habits.&rdquo;

Safety will understandably be a concern for parents as their kids are on the move, but parents should remember that the possibility of getting hurt comes with the territory.

&ldquo;You need to recognize that childhood comes with bumps and bruises,&rdquo; Schweikert said. &ldquo;Today we are much too cautious. We need to balance safety with the ability for children to challenge themselves in a physical way.&rdquo;

Parents should be vigilant about making sure that physical-related activities such as gym class and recess remain a valued part of their child&rsquo;s school curriculum, and while organized sports are also valuable, they often have a long waitlist. Plus, organized sports shouldn&rsquo;t be seen as the only opportunity for physical activity, Schweikert said.

&ldquo;When you usually ask parents what the best memories are with your kids, it&#39;s not going to be the movies you watched or a fancy vacation, it&#39;s usually the ones that are tied to motion - walking to get an ice cream together, going on a bike ride to the park, playing together on a playground,&rdquo; she said.

Lightbridge, child development, Lightbridge Academy

Physical Activity is Just as Important as Learning through Play

1851 Franchise

Lightbridge Academy implements programs that develop the ‘whole’ child.

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How much can franchisees make? It’s a question many prospective owners ask before investing in a franchise. While earnings tend to be driven by variables such as industry, location and general management skills, a proper understanding of the key factors driving profitability can help franchise owners develop expectations that are realistic.&nbsp;Multi-unit franchisee&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mangesh-patel-9368569/">Mangesh Patel</a>, who’s readying the launch of six&nbsp;<a href="https://www.beefobradysfranchise.com/">Beef ‘O’ Brady’s</a> restaurant locations in the Macon, Georgia area, shares insights from his franchising experience.<h2>Understanding Franchise Income</h2>Keeping operational costs in check can have a major impact on overall earnings. Taking a proactive approach to expenses such as food and labor, as well as payroll and scheduling, can help align actual franchise income with general expectations for the business.“I just had a meeting with a couple of people, and they said, ‘You talked about a 25% profit margin, but I’m only doing 12%.’ So, I looked at the figures they sent me,” Patel said. “Their&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/calculate-restaurant-franchise-profit-2730476">restaurant</a> food cost was running at 37%, which should be around 30%. The national average is about 32%. If I do things correctly, my average food cost needs to be at or below 30%. And payroll should run around 18%. But many people run 25 to 28%.”So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/unraveling-franchise-earnings-how-much-can-you-really-make-2723935">how much can franchisees make</a>? Here are five areas to consider.<h2>Practical Tips for Prospective Franchisees</h2><ol><li>Control Costs From Day One:&nbsp;It’s important to monitor payroll, food and supply costs closely. Overstaffing and inefficiencies can quickly reduce profits.</li><li>Plan For The Opening Surge:&nbsp;Traffic within the first few months of opening is likely to be higher. It’s important to adjust staffing and inventory accordingly, and pay close attention to how those levels change as time goes on.</li><li>Invest In Training:&nbsp;Properly trained workers can help reduce waste and improve overall service, which has a direct effect on net income.</li><li>Understand Your Market:&nbsp;Each market is unique and revenue potential will vary depending upon location, demographics and competition.</li><li>Track Metrics Regularly:&nbsp;Food cost percentages, labor ratios and weekly sales data act as key indicators operations may need to be adjusted.</li></ol><h2>What Profitability Really Comes Down To</h2>Patel notes that if franchise owners manage labor and costs properly, it’s not impossible to achieve strong cash flow even in the first year, bucking some franchising trends.So,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-can-you-make-as-a-franchise-owner-2724761">how much can franchisees make</a>? While results tend to vary, careful planning, disciplined operations and a proactive approach to assessing initial costs are essential. But by grasping and guiding the elements that drive franchise profitability, franchise owners can maximize overall business earnings, scaling a business that’s sustainable financially over the long term.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How much can franchisees make? This guide explains what drives franchise earnings and how to manage costs, with expert tips from multi-unit owner Mangesh Patel on maximizing your franchise income.

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Building&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-do-you-build-a-franchise-business-plan-2717037">a business plan</a> is a crucial operational step for any entrepreneur. But how do I build a business plan for a franchise that complements the franchisor’s system while addressing the unique needs of a given location? In this guide with expert tips, you’ll learn how to craft a thoughtful, actionable franchise business plan.<h2>Start With The Franchisor’s System In Mind</h2>So, how do I build a business plan for a franchise? Well, avoiding repetition is a good start.“You specifically don’t want to duplicate what your franchisor is doing,” said long-time multi-unit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.solafranchising.com/">Sola Salons</a> franchise owner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haynes-chidsey-6a36a06/">Haynes Chidsey</a>. “There’s a reason why you join a franchise system and why you pay the fees and costs associated with it.”A strong franchise business plan should take advantage of the resources, marketing and operational systems that the franchisor provides (while utilizing daily experiences at the local level to help fine-tune what matters locally).<h2>Focus On Local Priorities</h2>A franchise business plan should be&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/strategicfranchising/how-to-build-a-strong-franchise-brand-presence-in-your-local-community-2729771">locally focused</a>. It should reflect the unique characteristics and needs of each local market. It’s essential to identify opportunities to attract local customers, build relationships within the community at the local level and tailor services to the regional preferences required by each market.“Be complementary to what your system provides,” said Chidsey. “Stay locally focused. That’s what I would say is key. Avoid mistakes by focusing on the magic.”<h2>Practical Steps For Building Your Plan</h2><ol><li>Assess Both Market And Competition – Build a thorough understanding of local demand, competitors and potential customer base. This will lead to more informed projections. &nbsp;</li><li>Define Financial Goals – Include startup costs, ongoing fees and revenue expectations in the business plan. Staffing, rent, marketing and working capital should all be factored in. &nbsp;</li><li>Leverage Franchisor Resources – Incorporate the systems, training and support offered by the franchisor (instead of reinventing processes). &nbsp;</li><li>Set Operational Priorities – Decide which areas require hands-on local management (as opposed to areas guided by the franchisor). Focus energy where it’s most impactful. &nbsp;</li><li>Review And Adjust – A business plan shouldn’t be static. So, track performance, adjust strategies and refine priorities as the franchised business scales.</li></ol><h2>The Takeaway</h2><a href="https://1851franchise.com/chapter-3-developing-a-franchise-business-plan-2722586">Creating a franchise business plan</a> is about balance. With a clear plan that integrates franchisor resources and local insight, franchisees can confidently move forward, knowing their businesses are structured to thrive. Leveraging a proven franchisor system to make smart, locally relevant decisions is key. By slowing down to go fast, and catering to the local trends or demands unique to each market, zees can more effectively build a roadmap and franchise business plan capable of delivering long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

How do I build a business plan for a franchise?

How do I build a business plan for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn how to build a plan that leverages franchisor resources, focuses on local priorities and brings long-term success.

How Do I Build a Business Plan For a Franchise? A Guide For Prospective Franchisees

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Understanding&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-money-do-i-need-to-buy-a-franchise-a-guide-2730910">the total investment</a> required for a franchise is one of the first questions prospective franchise owners ask. While the answer can vary widely depending on brand, industry and market, knowing what goes into it can help entrepreneurs evaluate opportunities realistically (and avoid costly surprises).So, what&nbsp;is the total investment required for a franchise? The total investment reflects everything needed to open and operate the business and adequately navigate its early stages, from buildout to working capital.<h2>Why The Total Investment Matters</h2>Transparency is important. Investment details should be front and center early in the discovery process. It should also be a significant element of the franchise development website for any business opportunity.“The most visited page is the initial investment/start-up cost,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://thejointfranchise.com/">The Joint Chiropractic</a> Senior Vice President, Development&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmsherwood/">Craig Sherwood</a>. “This is not a surprise. This question is almost always the first a candidate will ask during the initial phone call. It’s critical for a brand to be transparent with not just the initial investment information but the royalties and fees associated with becoming a franchisee.”Developing an accurate understanding of the full financial picture required allows potential zees to assess affordability, tolerance for risk and long-term expectations (before moving ahead or signing a franchise agreement).<h2>What Goes Into The Total Investment?</h2>While every franchise system is different, the total investment required typically includes several core components. “The investment range includes three months of operating costs, the franchise fee and related expenses,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.simplycabinetryfranchising.com/">Simply Cabinetry</a> owner and CEO&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianasimmons-simplycabinetry/">Diana Simmons</a>. So, what is the total investment required for a franchise?&nbsp;Here are five components:<ul><li>Franchise Fee – The upfront fee paid to join the franchisor system and access the brand, training and support available. &nbsp;</li><li>Buildout and Equipment – Costs tied to general construction, leasehold improvements, signage, fixtures and equipment. &nbsp;</li><li>Inventory and Opening Supplies – The initial product, materials or inventory required to open. &nbsp;</li><li>Working Capital – The funds needed to cover payroll, marketing and operating expenses during the first few months of operation. &nbsp;</li><li>Ongoing Fees – Royalties, marketing contributions, technology expenditures and other recurring fees outlined in the franchise disclosure document (FDD).</li></ul><h2>Making An Informed Investment Decision</h2>So, what is the total investment required for a franchise?&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/how-much-capital-is-needed-to-buy-a-franchise-2716989">The amount required</a> to launch a franchise opportunity can range from tens of thousands to several hundred thousand dollars, or more, depending on the industry, concept and recognition of the brand. That’s why a thorough review of FDD Item 7 (estimated initial investment) and consultation of experienced franchise counsel is crucial.A clear understanding of the total investment required to start a franchise can help candidates navigate the process more effectively. By asking questions early and thoroughly evaluating costs, franchisees can determine whether a brand aligns with their financial goals, laying the foundation for long-term success.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.

What is the total investment required for a franchise?

What is the total investment required for a franchise? In this guide with expert tips, learn the costs of starting a franchise, including the fees, buildout, capital and ongoing expenses required.

Physical Activity is Just as Important as Learning through Play

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