Kiddie Academy vs Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise Comparison

Below is an in-depth analysis and side-by-side comparison of Kiddie Academy vs Ducklings Early Learning Centers including start-up costs and fees, business experience requirements, training & support and financing options.

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
Investment $345,000 - $5,605,000$478,600 - $3,668,400
Franchise Fee $135,000$65,000
Royalty Fee 7%6%
Advertising Fee 2%1%
Year Founded 19811994
Year Franchised 19922016
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee Varies-


Business Experience Requirements
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
Experience People and management skillsWhile experience is always a plus, you don't need to previously have been a teacher or to have worked in a teaching environment to start a Ducklings franchise. A college degree is recommended, but not required. Owners of our locations have an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for impacting the lives of the children. Our franchise owners also like to have fun at work.

Financing Options
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
  In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
Franchise Fees No/Yes-/-
Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
Equipment No/Yes-/-
Inventory No/Yes-/-
Receivables No/No-/-
Payroll No/No-/-

Training & Support
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
Training Classroom Training: 80 hours Additional Training: Online training-
Support Newsletter Meetings/Conventions Grand Opening Online Support Security/Safety Procedures Field Operations Site Selection Proprietary Software Franchisee Intranet Platform-
Marketing Ad slicks, Regional advertising, Website, Web Advertising-
Operations 15% of all franchisees own more than one unit

Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 20

Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

-

Expansion Plans
 
Kiddie Academy Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
US Expansion YesYes
Canada Expansion No-
International Expansion NoNo

Company Overviews

About Kiddie Academy

It began in 1981 with an idea and a commitment. The idea was how to best combine learning with child care; the commitment was to do it better than anyone else. As you learn more about Kiddie Academy, you will realize we have a lesson plan that works! Reward your family with The Kiddie Academy Difference. When it comes to child care there's Kiddie Academy and then there's everyone else.

The total investment necessary to begin the operation of a Kiddie Academy® Franchise is $345,000 - $1,035,000 for a leased Kiddie Academy franchised location, and $3,254,500 - $5,605,000 for a purchased Kiddie Academy franchised location. This includes $135,000 in Initial Fees that must be paid to the franchisor or an affiliate.
Veteran Incentives  $25,000 off franchise fee

"Top
#10 in Gator's Top franchises.    
"Ranked         "Entrepreneur
#108 in Franchise 500 for 2020.
#129 in Franchise 500 for 2021.










About Ducklings Early Learning Centers

"Ducklings

Since 1994, Ducklings has designed, built, and opened schools; purchased, moved, and closed schools all the while learning lessons and laying the groundwork for the big things to come. Many of our teachers have been with us for 15 years or more- each of them helping to shape Ducklings core values of collaboration, creation, and celebration through professional integrity and deep respect for children and families.
For decades, Ducklings has been a leader in educational childcare and now, through franchise opportunities, is bringing the Ducklings brand to families across the country.