Ducklings Early Learning Center is a curriculum-first childcare franchise with 30 years of operating history, proprietary Here We Grow™ programming, and active national expansion now available across 40+ states.
At a Glance
- Liquid Capital Required: $150,000 (Liquid Capital refers to readily available cash or cash-equivalent assets that can be accessed without borrowing, selling a primary residence, or relying on future income.)
- Net Worth Required: $500,000–$1,000,000
- Ownership Model: Owner-operator
- Location Type: Retail
- Time Commitment: Full-time
- Experience Required: None — passion for childhood education and business acumen valued over teaching credentials
Top 5 Reasons to Invest
- Recession-resistant, non-discretionary childcare demand
- Proprietary curriculum competitors cannot replicate
- Existing locations operating with enrollment waitlists
- Scalable multi-unit portfolio model available
- 30-year operating foundation already refined
About Ducklings Early Learning Center
Founded in 1994 by preschool teacher Jody Thompson, Ducklings was built on a simple idea — childcare should educate, not just babysit. Three of Jody’s daughters joined the business over the years, deepening its family roots. The brand began franchising in 2017 and now operates 20 locations across the Mid-Atlantic with national availability in 40+ states.
Every Ducklings location runs on the proprietary Here We Grow™ and Shake a Tail Feather Curriculum®, delivered through a digital portal that keeps franchisees aligned and staff trained consistently. Degreed teachers, age-specific classrooms, and secure indoor and outdoor spaces create an environment that families trust — and actively seek out.
Why Franchise With Ducklings Early Learning Center?
- Exclusive curriculum — proprietary Here We Grow™ programming gives your center a differentiated offering independent operators cannot match.
- Bulk purchasing savings — franchisor-negotiated pricing on supplies, materials, and uniforms lowers operating costs across every location you own.
- Multi-unit ready systems — staffing flexibility, shared resources, and proven processes are built for franchisees planning portfolio growth from the start.
- 30 years of operational refinement — hiring, marketing, parent communication, and compliance systems are already proven — no independent learning curve required.
- $1.3M average unit volume — franchisees report $1.3M average annual gross receipts per location per Item 19 of the FDD.
ABF Advisory Perspective
Market Analysis: The U.S. childcare industry is approaching $68 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach $84 billion by 2030. Dual-income households, research validating early education’s impact on long-term development, and a persistent shortage of quality providers are driving consistent demand that outpaces supply in most markets. Childcare is broadly considered recession-resistant — parents prioritize quality early education regardless of economic conditions.
ABF Timing Insight: For investors with $150,000 in liquid capital seeking a retail franchise in a recession-resistant, high-demand industry, Ducklings offers 30 years of operating history, proprietary curriculum, and national territory availability at a moment when quality childcare providers are actively needed in communities across the country. The multi-unit model adds a scalable growth path for investors thinking beyond a single location.
Training & Support
- Pre-opening training — management and staff trained on Here We Grow™ curriculum before opening day.
- Curriculum portal — ongoing access to lessons, teaching standards, and collaboration tools with other Ducklings owners.
- Site selection guidance — territory evaluation, lease negotiation, and buildout support provided by the corporate team.
- Ongoing operational support — continuous assistance from corporate with rapid response to challenges as they arise.
- Marketing and purchasing — branded materials, bulk purchasing discounts, and franchisor-negotiated pricing across all locations.
Is Ducklings Early Learning Center the Right Fit for You?
- Passionate about early childhood education and community impact
- Business-minded operator with strong people management skills
- Community builder who values long-term family relationships
- Growth-oriented investor open to multi-unit expansion
- Process-driven leader comfortable with structured, proven systems
Franchise Fit & Capital Readiness
Who Is NOT a Good Fit for Ducklings:
- Passive investors seeking absentee or hands-off ownership
- Candidates uncomfortable with staff management and licensing compliance
- Anyone expecting short-term returns — plan for a 12–18 month ramp
- Candidates who cannot meet the $150,000 liquid capital requirement
Investment Readiness Check:
- Total Investment Range — $756,400–$1,719,500 depending on market, real estate, and buildout requirements.
- Liquid Capital Required — $150,000 in cash or cash-equivalent assets, accessible without borrowing or selling your primary residence.
- Net Worth Required — $500,000–$1,000,000 verified during the qualification process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a teaching or childcare background to own a Ducklings franchise?
A. No. Ducklings franchisees are entrepreneurs first. The brand looks for candidates with strong business acumen and a genuine passion for childhood education. The proprietary curriculum, staff training, and operational systems are provided — teaching experience is not required.
Q. How does Ducklings help me find the right location?
A. The corporate team evaluates population size, household income, school quality, permitting, and competition to identify viable territories. They guide franchisees through space identification, lease negotiation, buildout specifications, and rent deferment strategy.
Q. What is the multi-unit opportunity with Ducklings?
A. Franchisees in good standing can add locations over time, leveraging shared staffing, bulk purchasing, and regional brand recognition across multiple centers. Ducklings provides expansion planning support and has structured its systems specifically to support multi-unit portfolio growth.
Q. What makes Ducklings different from other childcare franchises?
A. The proprietary Here We Grow™ and Shake a Tail Feather Curriculum® give Ducklings franchisees exclusive programming developed over 30 years that parents actively seek out. Combined with a digital curriculum portal, degreed teacher standards, and waitlisted existing locations, the brand occupies a differentiated position in the childcare market.
Next Steps
By submitting this form, you confirm that you meet the liquid capital requirement of $150,000 established by the franchisor — meaning you have access to cash or cash-equivalent assets without borrowing, selling your primary residence, or relying on future income.
Complete the form below to request a qualification review and discuss territory availability for Ducklings Early Learning Center.
This profile represents general franchise information compiled from publicly available sources. Individual results may vary. Refer to the current Franchise Disclosure Document for complete disclosures before making any investment decision.