Goddard Systems vs Little Sunshine's Playhouse Franchise Comparison
Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Goddard Systems vs Little Sunshine's Playhouse including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.
Start-Up Costs and Fees |
Investment |
$697,100 - $863,600 | $503,700 - $552,500 |
Franchise Fee |
$135,000 | $70,000 |
Royalty Fee |
7% | 7% |
Advertising Fee |
3% | $1,000-$3000 /mo |
Year Founded |
1986 | - |
Year Franchised |
1988 | - |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | - |
Term Of Agreement |
15 years | - |
Renewal Fee |
- | - |
Business Experience Requirements |
Experience |
General business experience
Minimum Cash Injection: $150,000 | - |
Financing Options |
|
In-House/3rd Party | In-House/3rd Party |
Franchise Fees |
No/Yes | -/- |
Start-up Costs |
No/Yes | -/- |
Equipment |
No/Yes | -/- |
Inventory |
No/Yes | -/- |
Receivables |
No/Yes | -/- |
Payroll |
No/Yes | -/- |
Training & Support |
Training |
Think you need education experience to open a Goddard School franchise? Think again. Our team will teach you the skills you need to operate a high-quality preschool. Developed specifically for Goddard School teachers and directors, Goddard Systems University (GSU) provides training for faculty, too. Designed specifically for Goddard School teachers and directors, Goddard Systems University (GSU) provides ongoing training and faculty development. GSU’s exclusive training series coaches teachers in various areas, all of which focus on providing excellent care to children. To help reinforce the training GSU provides, our Quality Assurance (QA) team regularly reviews each School’s procedures and program performance. It also offers guidance on how to continuously improve each School for the benefit of the children and their families.
On-The-Job Training: 400 hours
Classroom Training: 138 hours
Additional Training: IACET training for teachers & directors
| - |
Support |
The beauty of The Goddard School model is that you go into business for yourself, not by yourself. Our team of knowledgeable professionals will assist you with everything from marketing to IT and more. Our leadership team consists of experts who guide The Goddard School Franchise while providing support to franchisees. Dedicated, Experienced, Knowledgeable. The goal of The Goddard School Franchise is to provide franchisees with an extensive support structure to ensure consistency of programs and services for our customers as well as to offer guidance to franchisees as they achieve their personal goals as business owners. Franchise Business Consultants (FBCs) from our Field Operations team regularly visit Schools and check in with franchisees to provide ongoing support. Each FBC is also available via email and phone to assist franchisees. A team of trained experts guides each franchisee through the opening process as well. | - |
Marketing |
Getting word out about your Goddard School franchise is crucial for lead generation and enrollment. Our Marketing, Advertising & PR department develops the marketing and advertising materials to help you create awareness of your School through radio, television, search engine marketing and more. | - |
Operations |
20% of all franchisees own more than one unit Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25
Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators) | - |
Expansion Plans |
US Expansion |
Yes | Yes |
Canada Expansion |
No | - |
International Expansion |
Yes | - |
Company Overviews
About Goddard Systems
Join The Goddard School and become a member of a franchise system that has been defining educational childcare in the United States since 1988.
Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School and the acknowledged leader in the childcare franchise segment, is awarding franchises to qualified applicants who want to go into business for themselves, not by themselves.
Highlights of a Goddard School franchise include:
*Our on-site owner/director model supports educational excellence and a thriving business. This dual management system allows the director to observe classrooms, mentor teachers and develop a healthy learning environment, while the owner has the flexibility to operate an efficient, thriving business.
*Our daily schedule allows franchisees to enjoy a family-friendly lifestyle. Franchisees are able to operate their businesses while balancing time with their families and friends. Most Goddard Schools are open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM (hours of operation vary by location).
* Exceptional training and unparalleled support ensure top performance in Schools. Goddard School franchisees complete a comprehensive two-phase training program prior to School opening and have the opportunity to attend annual franchisee conventions and regional meetings. In addition, franchisees benefit from the extensive support structure that GSI has developed over 25 years in franchising.
*Goddard Quality Assurance (QA) reinforces the highest standards of care and The Goddard School F.L.EX. Learning Program. While every state has a licensing agency that oversees state requirements, Goddard Schools are additionally obligated to fulfill our own extensive QA Review. Goddard QA Representatives make unannounced semi-annual visits to each School to assess compliance with a full range of health and safety policies and procedures, as well as curriculum and program performance. As a result, The Goddard School has earned AdvancED and Middle States accreditation.
*Goddard Systems University (GSU) prepares faculty to follow The Goddard School's high standards. Funded by GSI, GSU supports ongoing director and teacher training through regional, online and on-site classes lead by corporate representatives. GSU training has been approved as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
*Goddard School building design focuses on child safety and efficient operations. The building size provides a manageable environment in addition to two large playgrounds to accommodate age groups separately.
Veteran Incentives $20,000 off franchise fee
In Franchise Business Reviews' Top 200.
#88 on Franchise 500 for 2020.
#76 on Franchise 500 for 2021.
About Little Sunshine's Playhouse
We're not babysitters. We are teachers. Everything we do is designed to inspire imagination, learning, and play. Step into a world where your child will thrive.
Recognized within the industry for a concept based on higher standards of service and community visibility, Little Sunshine's Playhouse offers an identity of unrivaled distinction.... in our brand image and high-profile architectural presence, and in the level of support and training our franchise system provides.
Little Sunshine's Playhouse also gives each of our Franchisees the opportunity to join a new franchise system on the ground level and be a part of growing a unique concept nationally.
The Little Sunshine's Playhouse Business Model is strategically planned to be the elite cutting edge innovator in the early childhood industry. Our model is positioned to provide a vital service to families across America who deeply value and recognize quality care and education, and wish to provide their child an opportunity above and beyond even the best preschools programs that are available nationally. Our curriculum Creatively Shine is a proven tool in classrooms, popular among our families, and LOVED by our Teachers.
Our innovative and cutting edge technology (including our Kiddie Cams, LuvNotes and online forums) keeps families connected and happy and provides a more secure professional experience that establishes Little Sunshine's Playhouse as the destination for even the most discerning families!
Our Prototype building, which is imbued throughout with old-world appeal, is icing on the cake! We believe preschool should be warm and charming and have incorporated that into our facilities to maximize each child's personal experience. We want children and parents to feel as though they are stepping into a magical playhouse!