Children’s Lighthouse, a leading early education and child care franchise, is excited to report an exceptional first half of 2024, highlighted by remarkable franchise growth and development. In the first two quarters of 2024, Children’s Lighthouse signed five new franchise agreements, including three with new franchisees and two expansions by existing owners. The brand also celebrated its first opening in Virginia and a groundbreaking in Missouri, marking its expansion into two new states. Additionally, the grand opening of a new location in a suburb of Austin, Texas, achieved record-breaking enrollment numbers, underscoring the high demand for quality childcare. Children’s Lighthouse now has more than 100 locations open or under construction.
With over two-thirds of children under six having both parents working, the demand for high-quality child care services is crucial. The U.S. child care market size was valued at $59 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass around $88 billion by 2033. Children’s Lighthouse serves this demand with it’s comprehensive Lighthouse Pathways® approach to learning. This proprietary program focuses on three individualized, research-based and age-appropriate curriculums designed to meet each child in their unique learning pathway. Lighthouse BRIGHT® caters to children as young as six weeks old through two years old. Lighthouse CARES® focuses on children from two to five years, while xSTREAM Quest® caters to school-aged children. In the xSTREAM Quest program, students embark on “quests” encompassing science, technology, reading, engineering art and math (STREAM). Through a blend of engaging classroom activities and hands-on learning experiences, Children’s Lighthouse aims to equip children with the essential skills, knowledge, and values they need to succeed in school and beyond. Each Children’s Lighthouse early learning school is independently owned and operated and may have its own Cognia™ or other accreditation.
To help usher in this new era of Children’s Lighthouse expansion, Matt Kelton, a third-generation franchise executive, joined the team earlier this year as the new vice president of franchise development. Building on the momentum of the first half of 2024, Children’s Lighthouse is well-positioned for ongoing growth and success.