Ducklings Early Learning Center, a family-founded daycare brand that is changing how childcare businesses grow through strategic franchise partnerships, seeks to continue its steady growth track with significant expansion further into the Mid-Atlantic region. With the childcare industry expected to approach $68 billion in revenue this year ((Source: Towards Healthcare), the brand seeks motivated investors looking for a proven business model with strong franchise support and results-driven systems that fuel successful preschools.
Founded in 1994 by Jody Thompson, who as a pre-K teacher recognized the need for daycare to focus on education along with nurturing care, Ducklings had four large corporate locations when the brand announced the franchise opportunity in order to achieve consistent growth. An employee bought the first franchise location in 2019 and two or three centers have opened every year since, for a total of 17 franchise locations and three corporate-owned centers today.
Ducklings blends strong community values with a playful, discovery-based curriculum. Bright classrooms, indoor play areas, and safe outdoor playgrounds support every stage of early development—academically, socially, and emotionally. The proprietary Here We Grow!™ curriculum offers a well-rounded foundation that inspires each child’s development within a secure, nurturing atmosphere. Ducklings’ highly trained, degreed teachers encourage exploration and growth with a focus on mind, body, heart, and family.
Kim Collier, Chief Development Officer and one of three of Thompson’s daughters who are part of the company, shares that the ideal franchise candidate is seeking a flexible, profitable business model structured around proven strategies and systems. Most importantly, however: “They have a head for business and a heart for education.”
Interested franchisees can learn more about this opportunity at: https://ducklingsfranchise.com/.