Ducklings Early Learning Franchise Expands Daycare Growth

Ducklings Early Learning Center Expands Daycare Franchise Through Creative Curriculum

A Family-Driven Beginning Rooted in Community Need

Childcare has always been deeply personal for Kim Collier and her family. That commitment dates back to 1994, when her mother, Jody Thompson, launched Ducklings Early Learning Center in Pennsylvania. The decision came after the YMCA preschool program she directed shut down, leaving 40 families in a rural area without childcare options. With no alternatives available, Thompson took a financial risk—borrowing from her husband’s 401(k)—to open her own center and fill the gap.

Leadership Built on Family Experience

Today, the business continues to be led by Thompson’s daughters, each playing a critical role. Kim Collier serves as chief development officer, Sarah Vannello leads curriculum as director, and Hilary Fogel manages inventory operations. This hands-on family leadership has helped maintain consistency as the brand has grown.

Franchise Growth and Operational Scale

Ducklings began franchising in 2019 with four locations. Since then, the brand has expanded to 20 centers, including 17 franchised units, across Pennsylvania and Delaware. Each location typically serves between 125 and 150 children, ranging in age from six weeks to six years old.

“Here We Grow” Curriculum Focused on Real Learning

The brand’s educational philosophy centers on its “Here We Grow” curriculum, which emphasizes play-based and discovery-driven learning. Instead of pushing early academic rigor, the approach focuses on meeting children at their developmental stage.

Children learn through creativity, interaction and sensory experiences rather than screens. Activities are intentionally hands-on, encouraging participation and exploration. This includes exercises like practicing letters by tracing them with fingers in trays of vanilla pudding—an example of how the curriculum combines learning with engagement and social interaction.

Creating Social and Experiential Learning Environments

The classroom environment is designed to encourage collaboration and connection. Children learn alongside peers, building social skills while engaging in creative tasks. The emphasis is on active participation, where learning happens through doing rather than passive instruction.

Strong Unit Economics and Experienced Support

Ducklings reports an average unit volume of approximately $1.9 million, reflecting solid performance at the center level. A key driver of this success is the company’s support infrastructure.

The brand is backed by a 10-person support team, often referred to internally as “longtime ducks,” with more than 200 years of combined experience. This depth of knowledge enables the company to guide franchisees through operational challenges and provide practical, experience-based solutions.

Structured Franchisee Support Systems

Franchisees receive ongoing guidance through a structured support model. A dedicated business coach works with new owners monthly during their first year, transitioning to quarterly support thereafter. Additional resources include HR support services and internal technology systems designed to streamline operations.

Central to this is the company’s proprietary platform known as “the pond.” This system integrates operations training, curriculum delivery and reporting tools into a single dashboard, giving franchisees full visibility and control over their business.

Expansion Strategy Targeting Underserved Markets

Ducklings is actively expanding across Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The brand is specifically targeting emerging and underserved markets, including college towns.

These areas present strong demand drivers, with a mix of faculty, staff and long-term residents who often settle near universities. Stable communities and growing local economies create consistent need for childcare services.

Future Growth Plans and Multi-Unit Opportunities

The company has two additional locations scheduled to open this year and is targeting a total of 30 units by the end of 2028. A significant portion of this growth is expected to come from existing franchisees expanding into multiple units.

As operations stabilize and teams mature, franchise owners gain confidence to scale. The brand sees this as a key driver of future expansion, supported by a proven model and reliable revenue potential.

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