Leading Franchise Network in Educational Childcare to Open 30 Academies This Year

ABINGDON, Md., March 2, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Answering the growing demand for education-based child care, Kiddie Academy®, a nationally networked franchise with more than 147 locations nationwide, today announced an aggressive expansion plan to develop 30 new locations in 2016. On the heels of 20 percent growth in 2015, the company will expand its national footprint through its franchising model from California and Texas to Florida and the Northeast. The plan includes New Jersey, as well as the company's home state of Maryland, where it recently opened a flagship corporate location in Abingdon.

Last year, Kiddie Academy attributed 25 percent of its growth to existing franchisees — those who continued their success with Kiddie Academy after already investing in at least one location. The company anticipates many existing Kiddie Academy owners will further expand their businesses with additional locations, while its development team introduces several new franchisees to the Kiddie Academy network.  

"The demand for educational, center-based child care is getting stronger as families all over the country are looking for options that engage their children mentally, physically and socially," says Greg Helwig, president of Kiddie Academy. "Now in our 35th year of business, we are proud to be at the head of the class, as we seek to deliver the highest quality educational child care possible in order to positively shape the lives of children, families, and communities everywhere."

Key elements of Kiddie Academy's 2016 planned growth include:

• Approximately 60 new locations in progress
• Deeper expansion into Texas, with 12 new franchise openings planned to join six currently operating in the state
• Expansion into two new states, Georgia and Tennessee
• Development of a pilot program designed to incentivize current franchisees to expand into new markets
• Further expansion in its home state of Maryland with a new location in Odenton
• Increase of approximately nine new Kiddie Academy team members to support this growth. This is in addition to the 18 percent increase in 2015

Grounded in the vision to create a community that shapes and inspires children for the future, Kiddie Academy serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, kindergarten, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs. Their core philosophy is rooted in a proprietary standards-based learning curriculum called Life Essentials®, which empowers children to make great choices.

With plans for continued growth, Kiddie Academy is looking for interested and qualified franchisees to bring education-based child care to communities all over North America. To inquire regarding business opportunities please visit www.kafranchise.com.

About Kiddie Academy®

Since 1981, Kiddie Academy® has been a leader in education-based child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, kindergarten, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs.  Kiddie Academy's proprietary Life Essentials® curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities and techniques help prepare children for school and for life. Kiddie Academy is using the globally recognized AdvancED accreditation system, signifying its commitment to quality education and the highest standards in childcare.

About Kiddie Academy® Franchising

Kiddie Academy Domestic Franchising is based in Maryland and has more than 130 academies located in 23 states. Approximately 60 additional academies are in development, with new locations slated to open each year.