How to Choose A Preschool Franchise & Get Started
For those interested in how to start a preschool franchise, Lightbridge Academy has the information you need to make an informed decision about your future. The latest edition in our ongoing blog series provides motivated entrepreneurs and those interested in owning a child care franchise with advice on researching the right brand, demand, training, support, and other factors you should consider before making a final decision.
What is a Preschool Franchise?
Unlike their non-franchised counterparts, Lightbridge Academy’s preschool child care franchise is founded on a proven business model, offering owners the reputable name, image, and licensing rights of the brand in exchange for your investment. Franchisees receive comprehensive training prior to opening, which includes a thorough education on the brand’s systems, networks, and operations – with ongoing training and support through a dedicated and experienced franchise business coach. Strictly from a timing perspective, market demand reveals this to be an opportune time to explore preschool franchise ownership, as nearly 30 million households in America are heavily reliant on quality child care services.
How to Choose Wisely
To better assist you in finding the right preschool franchise opportunity, Lightbridge Academy has created this actionable checklist – presented in a table format for convenience and quick access:
| Factor | Why it Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
Investment | When reviewing different preschool franchise models, it’s important to have a clear understanding of your total financial commitment and how it compares to your financial tolerance – a term that refers to your net worth | Review the initial franchise fee, royalty payments, operational costs, and liquid capital requirements, then compare them against potential revenue. Pay special attention to the financial disclosures found in Item 19 of the franchise disclosure document (FDD) |
| Training & Support | By far the most beneficial aspect of preschool franchises compared to their non-franchised counterparts is the training and support designed to leave you feeling like you’re in business for yourself, but never by yourself | Because most franchises don’t require prior experience to own and operate, be sure to inquire about the hours of classroom instruction and field support you can expect from the brand, as well as the support from your peer network of existing franchisees |
| Curriculum | In meeting your expectations, it’s vital to understand what type of educational curriculum you can expect from a preschool franchise | This will be a top priority for every parent, and we can’t understate the importance of understanding the material and the applied teaching methods |
| Site Selection | Because preschool franchises require a brick-and-mortar location, it’s important to understand the type of assistance you’ll receive with site selection – as an optimized location is one of the most critical factors to consider | Brands such as Lightbridge Academy provide close-in, tactical support for this process, analyzing key demographic information, local market demand (and competition), as well as household income by zip code |
| Licensing Operations | Remaining in compliance with all state, local, and federal guidelines required to own and operate a licensed preschool franchise is of utmost importance; another area where choosing a reputable brand can keep you from inadvertently operating outside regulations | Ask the franchisor to provide you with the necessary certifications, operating license, and other legally binding documents that demonstrate the brand is operating in full compliance with all rules and regulations at the local, state, and federal level |
| Market Demand | Though all of the aforementioned factors play an important role in choosing the right preschool franchise, overlooking local market demand would be a crucial misstep | If you want your child care center to succeed, conduct an intensive review of the local market, the competition – both direct and indirect – and other ancillary factors. Field visits should not be out of the question |
Total Cost/Investment Calculation
Prior to exploring any childhood development opportunity, it is paramount to have a complete understanding of your financial obligations. This represents a significant investment, requiring the utmost in due diligence so that you minimize your overall financial risk. When researching franchises, be sure to inquire about the initial franchise fee and the different ownership models, as many brands offer variable investment ranges based on property that is either leased or purchased. At a minimum, here are the individual cost buckets you should research to determine if they align with your overall financial tolerance:
- Initial Franchise Fee
- Build-Out/Construction
- Equipment/Inventory
- Staffing
As with any franchise opportunity, the franchise disclosure document (FDD) offers a comprehensive review and explanation of initial franchise fees, ongoing costs, and expected operating expenses in Items 5-7. For a comprehensive review of Lightbridge Academy’s financial requirements, please visit the Investment section of our franchising website.
How to Start a Lightbridge Academy Preschool Franchise
If everything you’ve read up to this point has you wondering, “What happens next?” – we’ve got you covered. Lightbridge Academy prides itself on having a simple pre- and post-stage agreement process for becoming a franchisee in our network:
Pre-Agreement
- Submit your information in our online form, and a member of our franchise development team will schedule an introductory meeting
- Complete your franchise application and receive a copy of our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)
- Visit our home office in New Jersey for Discovery Day and tour one of our preschool centers
- Sign your franchise agreement
Post-Agreement
- Complete your onboarding and training
- Select a site for your child care center with help from our team
- Watch your new center come to life through the design and construction phase, with full support from our team all along the way
- Get support to help launch your center, including operations, marketing, and education (three weeks total: one virtual, one at the home office, and one week of on-the-job training at an operating center)
- Celebrate your grand opening!
The Lightbridge Academy Difference
Having reviewed Lightbridge Academy’s basic credentials, below is a list of key differentiators that set our brand apart from other private preschool opportunities. When it comes to selecting the best child care franchise, we invite you to experience the difference in these distinct areas:
- Circle of Care
This represents the brand’s philosophy on early childhood education, which places equal importance on meeting the needs of children, their families, teachers, franchise owners, and the community at large
Why it matters: no other preschool franchise has a more established and defined culture, a unique selling point for franchise owners
- Curriculum
Our innovative curriculum, which includes STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). Our focus is on developing the “whole child,” and includes key developmental approaches that include STREAM, American Sign Language, Yoga and Mindfulness, Spanish, and more
Why it matters: nearly three decades in the making, with multiple refinements and iterations, Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood curriculum is the centerpiece of your child’s educational future
- Parent Technology
No other preschool franchise concept has expended as much effort into establishing the industry’s gold standard for parent-oriented communication tools. Using our proprietary parent eCommunication app, you’ll have access to daily reports – detailing important classroom announcements, reminders, photos, and videos so you won’t miss a thing. In addition to this valuable communication tool, you can also track your child’s progress with ParentView®, an internet monitoring system, a secure online portal that allows you to observe your child having fun and learning in a supportive environment, giving parents constant reassurance about their child’s health and safety.
Why it matters: our commitment to open, honest, and transparent two-way communication with parents cannot be matched, as much a benefit to franchise owners as the clients themselves
- Growth Opportunity
With nearly 30 million American households in which 66.3% of both parents work, finding quality child care has become one of the top “Kitchen Table” issues of our time. Investing in a preschool franchise can be a sound investment for many reasons, not least of which are the current market demand and the fact that the business model is known to be highly recession-resistant. The significant long-term benefits of having your child participate in early education are a boost to recruiting and enrollment
Why it matters: already well-positioned in a high-demand marketplace, it’s important to reassure prospective franchise owners that Lightbridge Academy is a leader and standard-bearer among preschool franchises
Let’s Chat: Download our Brochure or Connect with our Franchise Development Team
FAQ
For answers to the most frequently asked questions regarding preschool franchises, please review the answers below:
What should I look for in a preschool franchise?
- Key areas include investment level vs. financial tolerance, training and support, curriculum, site selection, licensing operations, and local market demand
How much does a preschool franchise cost?
- Investment ranges vary widely, often dependent upon different ownership models offered by the brand, such as a leased or purchased location
Do I need education experience to own a preschool franchise?
- Due to the rigorous training provided, the majority of preschool franchises, including Lightbridge Academy, do not require prior experience or expertise
How long does it take to open a preschool franchise?
- Typical timelines for opening a preschool franchise can be anywhere from 18 to 38 months, though purchasing an existing location can drastically reduce the ramp-up period
What makes Lightbridge Academy different from other preschool franchise options?
- Thanks to nearly three decades of continual operation, leadership, and guidance, Lightbridge has established a well-deserved reputation as one of the leading preschool franchise opportunities
Take the Next Step Today!
Imagine owning a business that not only supports your financial goals but also brings fulfillment by helping children learn, grow, and thrive. Lightbridge Academy is more than just a preschool franchise.
Our educational child care centers stand on a strong foundation of education and community.
With a proven business model, you’ll have the tools and guidance you need to succeed. Explore preschool franchise opportunities with Lightbridge Academy. Get started today and discover how Lightbridge Academy can help you build a thriving center that makes a real difference.
