Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers Recognized As A World-Class Franchise

By: Children's Lighthouse | 5 Shares 99 Reads

January 23, 2012 // Franchising.com // FORT WORTH, Texas - The Franchise Research Institute has identified 25 World-Class Franchises for 2012, and Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers has made the prestigious list. Based upon independent, third-party research, Children’s Lighthouse has earned its spot following a thorough survey of the company’s franchisees. In its tenth year of providing franchise research, the Institute contacts every franchisee, and guarantees their complete confidentiality.

“Children’s Lighthouse isn’t just a great business that we can all feel good about running because of the incredible impact it has on those most precious to us as parents, but also because we’re a warm, welcoming family,” said Rose Morelock, vice president of operations for Fort Worth, Texas-based Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers. “We go to great lengths to make sure we are supporting our franchisees, their goals, dreams and ambitions. Plus, we’re also thinking ahead and helping them take care of their business matters.”

The Institute identifies and recognizes excellence. Jeff Johnson, founder of The Franchise Research Institute/FranSurvey, states, “There are a number of ‘Best Franchise’ lists published each year, but we recognize excellence by asking current franchisees to rate their experience as franchise owners, using solid, scientific research methodology.” He adds that “The confidentiality of franchisee responses is critical, because franchisees are reluctant to say anything negative if they can be identified. Confidentiality reduces bias and ‘false positive’ responses.”

Johnson concludes that World-Class franchises have a number of things in common:

They establish realistic expectations with candidates and then consistently meet or exceed these expectations.
They are very selective and only offer franchises to individuals that meet the “success profile” for their franchise.
They successfully transfer “franchise owner knowledge” to new franchises.
They provide ongoing training and support to existing franchisees.
They communicate with consistent clarity, and include franchisees in major decisions.
Their franchise offers an acceptable ROI for both the franchisor and the franchisee.

The companies recognized must receive high scores in areas such as opening support, communication between franchisor and franchisees, initial and ongoing training provided to franchisees, product/service quality, and a dedication to overall company excellence.

According to Johnson “A company can provide a terrific product or service which is well-received by the public, and franchisees can still fail. World-Class franchising requires a focus on franchisee success which in turn supports the success of the brand."

Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers is on a rapid ascent to the top of the educational childcare industry. Existing franchisees and new entrants into the franchise system are taking notice. Several longtime Children’s Lighthouse franchisees are now investing in second and third learning centers. Plus, the wave of momentum carrying Children’s Lighthouse into 2012 includes adding new schools with new franchisees in key U.S. markets that will grow the company’s footprint by nearly 70 percent.

The combination of a comprehensive curriculum for young children, nurturing care, and a business model that has produced a zero percent franchise failure rate, puts Children’s Lighthouse at the head of its class.

Currently, 21 new Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers are in development, preparing to join the 29 that are already operating.

About Children’s Lighthouse

Established in Ft. Worth, TX in 1995, Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers is the leading values-based educational childcare system in the United States. The company has approximately 250 employees among its company headquarters and eight company-owned centers. Currently, Children’s Lighthouse has 29 centers in operation and 21 additional franchise locations in its development pipeline. Children’s Lighthouse has been named “Best Places to Work” by both the Dallas and San Antonio Business Journals and has received the “Franchise 500” designation by Entrepreneur magazine due to its stability, financial strength and growth. For more information about Children’s Lighthouse Learning Centers, visit www.childrenslighthouse.com. To learn more about available franchise opportunities, visit www.childrenslighthousefranchise.com or contact Stephen Dixon at sdixon@childrenslighthouse.com, (888) 338-4466 x1.

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