August 23, 2023 // Franchising.com // Children’s Lighthouse Early Learning Schools™, a provider of premium early childhood education is having a banner development year. The brand’s franchise expansion efforts continue to resonate with new and existing franchise partners that are turning passion for childcare into purpose.
In 2023 the childcare franchise has signed six new franchise agreements, opened three new schools with nearly 30 additional schools in development.
Founded 26 years ago in 1997 by brothers Mike and Pat Brown, Children’s Lighthouse promotes character values like passion, integrity and excellence a cornerstone in its individualized age-appropriate curriculum. Today, the brand has leveraged its proprietary and nationally-accredited program Lighthouse PathwaysTM to provide families with secure, enjoyable, and nurturing environments for children to learn and grow.
One of he new franchisees to join Children’s Lighthouse this year is Kristi Noonan, a 20-plus-year advertising and marketing executive. Having enrolled her own children at the existing North Center Chicago Children’s Lighthouse school previously, she found great value in the curriculum and environment which benefitted her family. Noonan looks forward to providing the same benefits to north Chicagoland.
In Nashville, a new management group comprised of Kal Patel, CJ Patel, Danielle and Mariano Luja join the Children’s Lighthouse community with professional experience in mental and behavioral health, as well as hospitality and management. They are motivated to bring the brand into a new market and provide a fresh curriculum option for parents who are currently lacking high-quality childcare education options in North-Central Tennessee.
Meanwhile, in Missouri, local residents Ashley and Jeremy Fangmann are eager to open a new school in the greater St. Louis area. Ashley’s background includes management, a decade-long career as a CPA and leadership roles on the board of the Boys and Girls Club. Coupled with Jeremy’s decade of experience in financial advisory, they see franchising with Children’s Lighthouse as an opportunity for their family to spend more time together while continuing to pursue their professional interests.
“I am thrilled to welcome these three impressive new franchisee groups to our family. We are also pleased to sign several new agreements with existing multi-unit owners in DFW, San Antonio and Houston,” said Stephen Dixon, Chief Development Officer. To round out 2023, the brand is expected to open six to eight schools including locations in: Celina, Kyle and McKinney, Texas; Apex, North Carolina; and Chantilly, Virginia.
Children’s Lighthouse’s mission is to equip its owners with the necessary tools, guidance, and prospects to run a business that provides children with a secure, affectionate environment for learning, forming friendships and fostering self-assurance. To achieve this goal, Children’s Lighthouse collaborates with parents in nurturing Children’s development through three tailored curriculums, each catering to specific age-related needs. Franchisees also actively engage with their local communities, regularly giving back through volunteer work, donations, and other contributions.
