Childrens Lighthouse vs Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise Comparison

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

Start-Up Costs and Fees
 
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
Investment $440,600 - $630,000$478,600 - $3,668,400
Franchise Fee $50,000$65,000
Royalty Fee 7%6%
Advertising Fee -1%
Year Founded 19971994
Year Franchised 19992016
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Term Of Agreement 15 years-
Renewal Fee --


Business Experience Requirements
 
Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
Experience
  • Industry experience
  • General business experience
  • Marketing skills
  • (qualifications important but not required)
    		• While 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
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
      In-House/3rd PartyIn-House/3rd Party
    Franchise Fees No/No-/-
    Start-up Costs No/Yes-/-
    Equipment No/Yes-/-
    Inventory No/Yes-/-
    Receivables No/Yes-/-
    Payroll No/Yes-/-

    Training & Support
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
    Training 4 weeks: 2 weeks of training at the Children's Lighthouse home office, one week of in-school training with seasoned Children's Lighthouse franchise owners and one week of post-opening training in your school.-
    Support Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives-
    Marketing Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, Regional advertising-
    Operations Franchisees required to buy multiple units/master licenses; 0% of all franchisees own more than one unit

    Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 25

    Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators)

    		-

    Expansion Plans
     
    Childrens Lighthouse Franchise
    Ducklings Early Learning Centers Franchise
    US Expansion -Yes
    Canada Expansion No-
    International Expansion YesNo

    Company Overviews

    About Childrens Lighthouse

    Childrens Lighthouse is currently offering franchises in all 50 states. We are totally committed to the support and service of our franchises. We've worked hard to develop quality management support systems to help you become successful in your new business. Targeted crew and management training programs, proven local neighborhood marketing tactics, aggressive advertising programs, labor and inventory control aids, equipment and supplies innovations are all examples of Childrens Lighthouse support tools. When you become a Childrens Lighthouse franchisee, you benefit from our many years of business experience. Although we are growing rapidly, we are not so big that you can't join us. Unlike some franchises, there is plenty of development territory still available. We are aggressively seeking new franchisees to expand existing markets as well as develop new ones. Opportunities range from single-unit franchises to multi-unit territories. And, we offer a variety of investment options for you to choose from. With Childrens Lighthouse, you can be in business quickly and at an investment level that best fits your particular situation and initial goals. Our program is designed to guide you from the moment you make the decision to purchase a franchise. In addition to counseling you in necessary financial matters, the most important step is selecting an appropriate site to build your childcare center and gaining exclusivity to that territory. The right location is critical to the success of your center and we have been successful in determining appropriate sites.

    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.