Giving kids high-quality early childhood education is very important; it sets our future. Our future is our children. And it is also a savvy investment: the industry is growing fast.
Parents become busier at work, but also they still want to have their social life. So they need a safe place for their kids. A place where kids can have fun, socialize, and enrich their skills.
If you are looking for a business opportunity that is not only highly profitable but also serves the community, you are in the right place. We collected 30 best childcare franchises. Nothing can compare with knowing that you make kids and their families happy.
Don't have a background in care or education? Don't worry. You can run the business part and hire an educational director for programming and teacher development. And of course, the franchises below have decades of experience, proven curriculums, and operational systems that they will share with you.
1. Goddard School
- Founded: 1986
- Franchising since:1988
- Initial investment: $619,900 – $760,600
- Initial franchise fee: $135,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
Goddard School has 35 years of experience in this industry and over 400 locations nationwide. The company offers care and preschool programs for kids from 6 weeks to 10 years old. The franchise provides additional courses, including math, music, fitness, manners, and dance. The franchisees typically are successful entrepreneurs the experience in teaching or childcare is not required.
2. Primrose School
- Founded: 1982
- Franchising since:1988
- Initial investment: $716,680 – $5,829,078
- Initial franchise fee: $75,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Liquid Cash Requirement:$480,562
The franchise offers early-education services for children aged from 6 weeks to twelve years. The franchise's year-round program contains after-school and summer programs. The learning path for every child is individual and based on research and innovations. The franchisor has a proven business model and proprietary education approach - Balanced Learning.
3. Kiddie Academy®
- Founded: 1981
- Franchising since:1992
- Initial investment: $400,000 – $4,869,000
- Initial franchise fee: $135,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $550,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Kiddie Academy’s mission is to help reveal kids the abilities by nurturing and learning in a fun way. The franchise’s programs, besides academic enrichment, help kids better socialize. The franchise facilities took care of kids of different ages: from infants (6 weeks y.o) to teenagers (12 y.o). The franchisor has comprehensive training, so no prior experience is necessary.
4. Kids R Kids
- Founded: 1985
- Franchising since:1988
- Initial investment: $3,467,900 – $4,968,500
- Initial franchise fee: $90,000
- Ongoing royalty fee:5.5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
Kids ‘R’ Kids is an early childhood education franchise. The franchise's Learning Academies also have before/after school care and summer camps and are open during other school breaks over the year as well. The franchise's own curriculum helps learn math, science, technology, engineering, and art through play.
The company has a strong commitment to the community by working with non-profit organizations.
5. Discovery Point Child Development Centers
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since:1990
- Initial investment: $363,411 – $3,406,261
- Initial franchise fee: $75,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $500,000
The franchise was founded by the Clark family couple. Diane has decades of experience in children's education, her husband, Cliff, brought his business sensibility. In a couple years later they had two Discovery Point Child Development Centers that started the franchise, that now has approximately 50 locations.
As a benefit for franchisees, the company has a flat franchise fee that does not depend on the percentage of total sales.
6. College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors
- Founded: 2001
- Franchising since: 2005
- Initial investment: $151,500 – $228,000
- Initial franchise fee: $45,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $60,000
In 2001 Joe Keeley worked as a babysitter at summer vacation and got the idea, which became the franchise College Nannies, Sitters and Tutors (CNST). The franchise provides babysitting and nannies placement services.
Most of the franchisees have at least two territories.
The franchisor does not insist that franchisees must operate the business themself if they have an operational manager. So it is possible to keep a professional career and run the franchise at the same time.
7. Children's Lighthouse
- Founded: 1996
- Franchising since:1999
- Initial investment: $635,500 – $4,511,000
- Initial franchise fee: $70,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $600,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $300,000
The franchise offers daycare services for children from six weeks old. Children's Lighthouse schools focus not only on developing kids academically but help them to grow up emotionally.
Children's Lighthouse franchise has eight corporate-owning schools, so you can be sure that the franchisor knows in detail all the challenges that franchisees can face. Comprehensive support of the franchisor helps entrepreneurs to maximize the potential of the business: nearly 30% of franchisees are multi-unit owners.
8. Genius Kids
- Founded: 2001
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $239,900 – $619,500
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $250,000
The team of Genius Kids franchise believes that education is a lifelong journey that is more about how to think than knowing facts. The franchise schools help children to cultivate critical thinking, communication skills, and love to get new knowledge. The franchise offers curriculums for different ages: for toddlers 1-2 years old, preschools kids age 2-6, and after-school centers for ages six to twelve.
9. Creative World School
- Founded: 1970
- Franchising since: 2000
- Initial investment: $2,435,300 – $5,206,000
- Initial franchise fee: $60,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5-7%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
The franchise is based on curiosity and ideas inspired by it. Creative World School actively involves new technologies and innovations. For example, the franchise has an app for documenting the learning journey of every child. The franchise’s schools have few age-specific playgrounds so loved by kids.
Prior experience in the industry is not required to become a franchisee.
10. KidsPark
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since: 2003
- Initial investment: $215,500 – $405,500
- Initial franchise fee: $22,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $45,000
KidsPark offers daycare for kids starting from age six. Сonvenience sets this franchise apart from others. They are open every day and evening, including weekends and vacations. No reservations are needed!
This franchise is a good option even for those who have zero entrepreneurial experience. The franchisor’s training programs give all the necessary information to become a successful owner of KidsPark.
11. KLA Schools
- Founded: 2007
- Franchising since: 2009
- Initial investment: $511,500 – $2,111,250
- Initial franchise fee: $70,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
This is a Reggio Emilia Approach-inspired childcare franchise. The franchise’s schools have big classrooms, artistic and gardening spaces where kids can explore the world and their talents. Another essential part of the company is a collaboration between teachers, the children, and parents.
12. LeafSpring Schools
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since:1999
- Initial investment: $3,546,150 – $6,473,700
- Initial franchise fee: $87,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $15,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $750,000
LeafSpring Schools offers early education childcare programs. In addition, franchise’s schools have all-inclusive support for parents: meals, on-site nursing care for mildly ill children, transportation to and from school and activities.
The franchise has a proven business model and proprietary curriculum. The efficiency can be confirmed by the fact that none of the schools have been closed to the date.
13. The Learning Experience
- Founded: 1979
- Franchising since: 2003
- Initial investment: $493,549 – $3,585,549
- Initial franchise fee: $60,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $500,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
For over 30 years, the Learning Experience provides education-based childcare services. Parents so much in love with this franchise that many of them become franchisees. Two-thirds of acting franchisees open more units or refer franchises to their friends. The franchisor not just helps with finding the location. The franchisor itself negotiates the lease, builds and equips the center.
14. Lightbridge Academy
- Founded: 1997
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $541,228 – $5,020,375
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Net-Worth Requirement: $1,000,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
Lightbridge Academy provides early education programs for children from six weeks to six years old, besides they have summer and after-school programs. For security, the franchise facilities have such technologies as parental internet monitoring, biometric finger scanning.
After signing the Agreement, each franchisee will have a personal business coach for help and support, including on-site counseling.
15. Best in Class Education Center
- Founded: 1998
- Franchising since:2011
- Initial investment: $63,800 – $125,480
- Initial franchise fee: $32,000 - $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 12%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $100,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $30,000
The company was established by Hao and Lisa Lam in 1995 in Seattle. After opening ten company-owned education centers, the company started franchising. The franchise's education centers specialize in preparation classes (Math, English SAT, ACT) for school-aged children.
Best in Class Education Center's future franchisee must be a highly motivated person who wants to develop in the education business.
16. All About Kids
- Founded: 2005
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $2,677,500 – $3,372,500
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $25,000
The franchise provides childcare services from 6 weeks to 12 y.o.
All About Kids сenters designed according to LEED standards, making them more ecological, healthier, and lowers operating costs.
The franchisor offers a turnkey approach and helps with all aspects of operating the school. Presently, the franchise expands in Midwest states and offers franchises in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana.
17. Adventure Kids Playcare
- Founded: 2004
- Franchising since: 2006
- Initial investment: $344,250 – $589,000
- Initial franchise fee: $29,500
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $350,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Adventure Kids Playcare (AKP) is a daycare center for kids suitable for all ages up to twelve years old. The franchise centers also hold Birthday parties on Sunday. The franchise also has a playcare-to-go option (all toys, snacks, art included) when AKP staff provide childcare at customer’s premises.
All franchisees must operate the business themself.
18. Bricks 4 Kidz
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2009
- Initial investment: $17,625 – $75,975
- Initial franchise fee: $10,000 - $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $50,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $30,000
Kids love to play with LEGO! But LEGO also can be used for education. Surprised? Check Bricks 4 Kidz franchise that provides educational activities for children between the ages of 3 and 13. At the classes and workshops, children learn the fundamentals of S.T.E.M. (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Bricks 4 Kidz is a mobile business and can be launched in two months.
19. Sunbrook Academy
- Founded: 1984
- Franchising since:1999
- Initial investment: $271,200 – $2,100,000
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
Sunbrook Academy is a preschool franchise that has programs for different ages kids from infants to school-age children. Each age group has an independent classroom to provide an age-appropriate environment for the better social, emotional, physical, and academic development of children.
The franchisees will receive guidance on site selection and design, business operation, training personnel, and other required information.
20. Little Sunshine's Playhouse
- Founded: 2002
- Initial investment: $378,700 – $484,500
- Initial franchise fee: $70,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Little Sunshine's Playhouse early childhood education franchise. The franchise facilities are very distinctive: they look like fairytale castles. The franchise curriculum is based on the Reggio Emilia approach. Besides, kids have original projects each month to fully unleash the potential of the child.
Now the franchise schools are located in 10 states.
21. Ivybrook Academy
- Founded: 2007
- Franchising since: 2016
- Initial investment: $326,000 – $485,000
- Initial franchise fee: $50,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $400,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
Ivybrook Academy works with kids from 18-month-old to 5 years old. The idea of this franchise came to a former public school teacher who wanted more work-life balance for herself. The franchise is a half-day preschool, which means they are more focused on education than on daycare. And it is good news for franchisees: reduced working day, no lunches served, and no transportation. That makes business easier to operate and focus on education.
22. Growing Room
- Founded: 1988
- Franchising since: 2008
- Initial investment: $490,700 – $2,199,400
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 7%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $300,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $400,000
Being part of a Growing Room is an opportunity to work under a well-known brand in the childcare industry. It is also a responsibility: potential franchisees must have prior successful business experience and have skills in budget managing.
Besides traditional services of daycare centers, the franchise involves parents and grandparents in the educational process by holding special events. They also have special evening events and babysitting during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
23. London Day School
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $253,850 – $365,975
- Initial franchise fee: $60,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6,5%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $100,000
The franchise is an educational academy for children ages 18 months to 6 years of age. The London Day School offers half, extended and full-day programs. The minimum requirement for a future franchisee: Bachelor's degree, five years of work experience. In addition to training and guidance, the franchisor will provide on-site assistance for the first five days.
24. Sitting Made Simple
- Founded: 2008
- Franchising since: 2015
- Initial investment: $48,549 – $63,149
- Initial franchise fee: $35,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 6%
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $50,000
Sitting Made Simple (SMS) is an online service franchise that connects local families and sitters. The franchise offers last-minute babysitters, before and after school care. The franchisor will provide software, marketing and operational support. The new location can be open within 90 days.
25. Safari Kid
- Founded: 2005
- Franchising since: 2011
- Initial investment: $200,000 – $1,000,000
- Initial franchise fee: $70,000 + 30000 (Pre-opening fees)
- Net-Worth Requirement: $750,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $150,000
This franchise offers preschool and after-school programs for preschool-aged children. Safari Kid's curriculum was based on Reggio Emilia and Montessori methods and focused on their abilities and skill sets, not only on the child's age. The candidate's prior experience in the education industry, leadership, or Sales and Marketing will be an advantage.
26. A+ Nannies
- Founded: 2005
- Franchising since: 2007
- Initial investment: $40,500 – $55,600
- Initial franchise fee: $15,000
This franchise is a great business opportunity because it can be operated from home. A+ Nannies is a professional nanny agency known for its high standards. The franchise offers different care services: full-time/part-time nannies, temporary nannies, on-call sitters, postnatal helpers.
27. Legacy Academy
- Founded: 1997
- Franchising since: 1998
- Initial investment: $2,000,000
- Initial franchise fee: $75,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $250,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $200,000
The franchise operates child care centers that provide care and education services for young children. The purpose of Legacy Academy is to prepare kids for school and life. The primary criteria for the franchisee are passion for early child care and educational excellence. The franchisor will help with other things to smoothly start and operate a daycare business.
28. Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency
- Founded: 2011
- Franchising since: 2017
- Initial investment: $35,000 – $65,000
- Initial franchise fee: $25,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 3%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $35,000
Back in 2011, Kristy Bickmeyer couldn’t find a nanny service for her kids. So she founded Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency that provides in-house babysitting and full-time nanny care. What set the franchise aside? Parents don’t pay any additional fees. The franchisor also lets franchisees operate the first three months fee-free. That will give new owners time to learn how to operate the business.
29. Wee Watch
- Founded: 1984
- Initial investment: $37,500
- Initial franchise fee: $17,500
- Net-Worth Requirement: $150,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $30,000
The franchise provides part-time care for children six weeks to 12 years of age. Wee Watch offers an in-home daycare franchise model. As a result, franchisees don’t have real estate related expenses and have lower overhead. The franchise system helps to simplify business operation: from hiring to daycare programming.
30. Wanna Play Playcare
- Initial investment: $278,450 – $444,200
- Initial franchise fee: $40,000
- Ongoing royalty fee: 5%
- Net-Worth Requirement: $200,000
- Liquid Cash Requirement: $75,000
Wanna Play offers drop-in daycare services for kids of different ages. For the convenience of parents, playcare centers offer extended evening and weekend hours.
The franchise is primarily company owned and operated but ready to expand with franchisees. The franchisor is ready to share its experience in flexible child care solutions and business managing.
