Montessori Kids Universe (MKU) has built its reputation on delivering high-level support and training that not only strengthens its proven business model but also fuels franchisee success through ongoing coaching and extensive resources. By Lizzy Yeserski
Growing up in Europe, where learning multiple languages is the norm, shaped how Nicole Chaudry views the world. She knew she wanted her son to have the same upbringing, but very few early childhood education programs offered diverse, multicultural educational experiences. That’s when Chaudry decided to launch WorldKids® School, so other children could have access to a similarly diverse educational experience. By Shelby Green
New Program Raises the Standard for Teacher Readiness in Early Childhood Education
BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs, proudly announces the launch of Celebree Certified, a new teacher certification initiative designed to ensure every classroom is led by an educator who has been trained, coached, observed, and verified to deliver the high-quality experience families expect.
Already implemented across Celebree’s corporate schools and expanding systemwide to franchise locations early 2027, Celebree Certified establishes a new benchmark in early childhood education, moving beyond traditional onboarding to create a measurable standard for teacher preparedness, classroom excellence, and consistent childcare quality.
While teachers may meet state requirements, classroom success requires more than qualifications alone. Celebree Certified was created to close that gap by transforming onboarding into a structured certification process that confirms teachers are ready to lead with confidence.
“Choosing childcare is one of the most important decisions a family makes, and parents should feel confident in who is leading their child’s classroom,” said Lisa Bricker, Chief Talent Officer at Celebree School. “Celebree Certified was built to make sure our teachers are not only qualified, but truly prepared with training, coaching, and real classroom experience before they lead independently. When we invest in our educators, children and families benefit too.”
Strengthening Quality Across Every Celebree School
Through what has been coined as The First 30, Celebree’s certification journey combines orientation, classroom immersion, mentorship, leadership coaching, and real-time observation to evaluate readiness in authentic classroom environments.
The process includes:
To become Celebree Certified, Teachers in Development must demonstrate proficiency in Celebree’s Core Competencies before independently leading a classroom.
For families, the result is greater confidence that their child is learning in a classroom led by a teacher who has demonstrated readiness, not simply completed onboarding and state-mandated coursework.
For prospective franchisees, Celebree Certified represents a powerful competitive advantage: a scalable talent model designed to protect classroom quality, drive operational consistency, strengthen retention, and support long-term growth.
The launch of Celebree Certified reinforces the Celebree Promise to Grow People Big and Small™. For more than 30 years, Celebree School has focused on supporting not only children, but also families, educators, and communities through meaningful relationships, high-quality education, and a culture centered on growth and care.
As demand continues to grow for trusted, high-quality childcare and early education options, Celebree Certified reinforces the brand’s position as a leader in early childhood education franchising and a destination for families seeking excellence in childcare.
For more information on Celebree School, please visit https://www.celebree.com/
For more information on Celebree School franchise opportunities, please visit https://franchise.celebree.com/
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education, offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
BALTIMORE — Remember putting on living room plays for your parents? Building blanket forts out of couch cushions? Riding bikes with neighborhood friends until the streetlights came on? A new study reveals nearly 9 in 10 parents wish their kids had more of the childhood they remember and Celebree School wants to help families bring a little of that childhood magic back.
This September, in celebration of National Literacy Month, Celebree School is launching “Boredom Is Where Imagination Begins,” a nationwide campaign encouraging families to embrace storytelling, early literacy, creativity, and screen-free play – while rethinking the role boredom can have in a child’s development.
At a time when many parents are navigating screen fatigue and overscheduled routines, the campaign aims to spark a larger conversation around imagination, independent play, and the simple moments that often become childhood’s most lasting memories.
“At Celebree, we believe childhood should be filled with curiosity, creativity, and connection,” said Kristen Miller, Vice President of Education at Celebree School. “Some of the most meaningful learning moments happen when children are given the space to imagine, create, tell stories, and entertain themselves. Boredom isn’t a bad thing – it’s often the beginning of something brilliant.”
Inspired by the analog childhoods many millennial parents grew up loving, the campaign celebrates the simple, imaginative moments that once defined growing up. At its core, the campaign reinforces Celebree School’s belief that literacy is joyful, play has purpose, and imagination matters.
As part of the initiative, Celebree Schools nationwide will host a series of literacy-focused family experiences and activations include in-school bulletin boards capturing screen-free family activities, “Fill the Shelf” school book drives, and in-school story time readings with special guests.
Families nationwide are encouraged to join in on the fun and download a free Childhood Unplugged Family Activity Kit that includes:
Throughout the campaign, Celebree child development expert, Kristen Miller, will be available for interviews and media opportunities surrounding topics including:
“There’s a reason so many parents feel nostalgic for the childhoods they had growing up,” added Miller. “Kids don’t always need constant entertainment. Sometimes they just need time, space, and imagination. That’s where storytelling begins, confidence grows, and creativity comes to life.”
For more information on Celebree School, please visit https://www.celebree.com/
To find a school near you, please visit https://www.celebree.com/find-a-location/
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education, offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Multi-unit business owner to be recognized by world’s oldest and largest franchising association; Will be honored at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C for excellence in business, giving back, and providing opportunities to those around them
WASHINGTON — The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Rebecca Grovenstein, Lightbridge Academy multi-unit franchisee in Apex & Holly Springs, NC, as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Grovenstein will be honored at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., Sept. 14-16, for being an outstanding franchise owner with excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others. Nominated by their brand, the IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries and communities around the country.
“Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves,” said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. “Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize Rebecca Grovenstein with IFA’s highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate her commitment to making a difference both within her business and beyond.”
The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.
“Being named Franchisee of the Year is a reflection of the kind of franchisee Rebecca Grovenstein has been from day one,” said Gigi Schweikert, Chief Executive Officer of Lightbridge Academy. “She is someone who understands that running a child care center requires a commitment to the families and communities her locations serve. Multi-unit ownership at this level requires exceptional operational discipline, but what truly sets Rebecca apart is the consistency of education and care that families experience across both locations every single day. This recognition is well-earned, and exactly the standard of excellence we hope every franchisee in our system aspires to meet.”
There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.
The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. next month.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL FRANCHISE ASSOCIATION
Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 832,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $907.3 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.
ABOUT LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY
Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, franchise owners, and the community. Lightbridge Academy, The Solution for Working Families®, provides quality early childhood education, infant and toddler care, preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten programs for children six weeks through five years old. The company currently has over 200 child care centers either open or in development throughout Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Lightbridge Promise also leads the industry as the Gold Standard for health & safety in the child care industry. In 2026, the brand was included in Financial Times’ Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies list, awarded Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Award, and ranked #129 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list. In 2026, the brand ranked in Entrepreneur’s list of Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owner, was featured on Franchise Times Fast & Serious list, and ranked #248 in Franchise Times Top 400 list. For more information on Lightbridge Academy’s Fast-Track Ownership Opportunities, information on selling or converting an existing center, or a child care site to submit for review, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com/Franchise.
The key to a truly rounded education is more than just letters and numbers. WorldKids School positions children to become confident, curious, adaptable individuals through language and play. By Shelby Green
After Years Supporting Schools Across the Franchise System, the Ownership Team Brings its Expertise Directly to the Thorndale Community
THORNDALE, Pa. — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs, is excited to announce new ownership of Celebree School of Thorndale. The school will now be owned and operated by Wayne Viener, Mason Viener, and Kelly Washington – an ownership group whose combined history with Celebree spans nearly four decades.
While new to franchise ownership, the team is deeply rooted in the Celebree organization. Washington has dedicated 19 years to Celebree, serving as a teacher, school director, licensing specialist, franchise business consultant, and now franchise owner – making her involvement a unique reflection of Celebree’s mission to Grow People Big and Small ®. Wayne Viener and his son, Mason, have supported Celebree for more than 10 years, providing technology and business solutions to every school across the franchise system. As Chief Information Officer in his role, Wayne has dedicated support across Huffman Family Brands. Mason, has grown up professionally alongside the brand, specializing in technology rollout, adoption, and business intelligence across the Celebree system.
The ownership team’s connection to the Philadelphia region makes this transition especially meaningful. Personally, they have deep family roots in the area, including several family businesses across the region. Professionally, they have firsthand experience supporting schools throughout the market, including helping open locations across the area and working alongside educators, franchisees, and families before the Thorndale school first welcomed students.
“As someone who has spent nearly my entire career with Celebree, becoming a franchise owner feels like a natural next step,” said Washington, co-owner of Celebree School of Thorndale. “I’ve had the privilege of supporting schools from so many different perspectives, and now I’m excited to work directly with the children, families, and educators in Thorndale as a business owner to continue delivering the exceptional experience that defines the Celebree Promise.”
The new ownership group plans to maintain the current management team during the transition, providing continuity for families while building upon the school’s strong foundation. As parents themselves, the owners share a commitment to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn.
“For more than a decade, our family has helped support every Celebree School behind the scenes through technology,” said Mason Viener, co-owner. “Now, we’re excited to be even more connected to the mission by serving families directly. We know this community, we know this school, and we’re committed to helping it continue to thrive.”
The transition also represents a unique milestone for the brand, highlighting the strength of Celebree’s culture and the opportunities it creates for people who have helped build the organization to become franchise owners themselves.
“Our owners embody what makes Celebree special,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “Their longstanding commitment to our schools, their deep understanding of our mission, and their passion for serving families make them exceptional franchise owners. They have helped shape the Celebree experience for years, and I’m excited to see them continue that work as owners of Celebree School of Thorndale.”
Celebree School believes success in early childhood education is built on a combination of a strong curriculum and meaningful relationships with children, families, and educators. Every Celebree School is dedicated to preparing children for kindergarten and beyond while fostering confidence, compassion, and lifelong learning.
Celebree School of Thorndale is open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School of Thorndale, please visit https://www.celebree.com/thorndale-pa/ or call (610)-314-7012.
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
BALTIMORE — According to a new national survey commissioned by Celebree School, one of the nation’s leading early childhood education franchises, 88% of American wish their children played more like they did growing up, underscoring a growing desire to reclaim the simple, imagination-driven experiences many feel are disappearing from childhood.
The research, conducted by Talker Research, surveyed 2,000 American parents with young children, 11 and under, and paints a picture of parents navigating an increasingly screen-saturated world while yearning for more creativity, independent play, and meaningful family connection.
The findings arrive as families head into National Family Fun Month, when many are looking for affordable, meaningful ways to spend time together before the school year begins.
“The best childhood memories are often created in the moments when nothing was planned,” said Kristen Miller, Vice President of Education at Celebree School. “The moments children often say they’re bored can actually become the moments when they imagine, create, tell stories, solve problems, and develop skills they’ll carry for life. That’s where some of childhood’s greatest learnings begin.”
Childhood Memories Parents Miss Most
When asked which childhood activities they miss most, respondents overwhelmingly pointed to the simple experiences that defined growing up:
Parents also shared what they wish their own children did more often today. The top responses included:
Parents Believe Boredom has Value
Nearly two-thirds (62%) of parents say they feel pressure to constantly entertain their children, while 30% experience guilt or anxiety about screen time multiple times every day.
At the same time, parents recognize the importance of allowing children space to entertain themselves.
Screens are Reshaping Childhood
Respondents overwhelmingly agreed that childhood today looks dramatically different than it did one generation ago.
The biggest differences parents identified include:
Imagination Still Matters
When asked which activities best encourage storytelling and imagination, respondents ranked outdoor exploration first (49%), followed by reading books (44%), building forts or structures (36%), and imaginative toy play (33%).
Those responses closely mirror what early childhood educators have observed for decades: children build literacy, communication, and critical thinking skills through play.
“Some of the most important learning happens during unstructured play,” added Miller. “Whether children are building forts, inventing games, or reading to stuffed animals, they’re developing language, confidence, creativity and a lifelong love of learning.”
For more information on Celebree School, please visit https://www.celebree.com/
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Survey Methodology
Talker Research surveyed 2,000 American parents of young children (0-11); the survey was commissioned by Celebree School and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between July 7 and July 13, 2026.
Initiative Gives Qualified Entrepreneurs a Streamlined Path to Ownership Without the Traditional Development Timeline
ISELIN, N.J. — Lightbridge Academy, Innovators in Educational Child Care® and one of the fastest-growing early childhood education franchises with over 200 centers either open or in development, announces the launch of its new Fast-Track Ownership Program, designed to give qualified entrepreneurs an accelerated path to franchise ownership.
An Accelerated Path, Without Starting From Scratch
The program offers exclusive ownership opportunities at multiple stages of development, from lease assignments and centers under construction to newly opened and established Lightbridge Academy centers. Instead of following the traditional development process, franchisees can step in further along the journey and focus on what matters most: growing their business and serving families in their communities.
“This program reflects our commitment to smart, sustainable growth,” said Jim DiRugeris, Senior Vice President of Franchise Sales at Lightbridge Academy. “By making ownership opportunities available at multiple stages of development, we’re able to bring in strong operators more efficiently while continuing to expand access to high-quality early education.”
What Fast-Track Ownership Includes
Where Opportunities Are Available Now
Fast-Track Ownership opportunities are now available in high-growth markets across Florida, Minnesota, North Carolina, and Texas, with opportunities ranging from lease assignments and centers under construction to newly opened and established operating child care centers. The program is ideal for first-time business owners seeking to start a child care franchise or find a daycare for sale, experienced entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and multi-unit franchise owners seeking to diversify their portfolio with a purpose-driven, early education business backed by an established franchise system.
To learn more about the Lightbridge Academy Fast-Track Ownership Program or explore current opportunities, contact Gabe Tucker at GTucker@LightbridgeAcademy.com or (732) 754-1368. To schedule a tour and learn more about Lightbridge Academy’s early childhood education programs, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com. Learn more about franchise opportunities at LightbridgeAcademy.com/Franchise/
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ABOUT LIGHTBRIDGE ACADEMY
Established in 1997, the company was founded as a family business based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, franchise owners, and the community. Lightbridge Academy, The Solution for Working Families®, provides quality early childhood education, infant and toddler care, preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten programs for children six weeks through five years old. The company currently has over 200 child care centers either open or in development throughout Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Lightbridge Promise also leads the industry as the Gold Standard for health & safety in the child care industry. In 2026, the brand was included in Financial Times’ Americas’ Fastest Growing Companies list, awarded Franchise Business Review’s Franchisee Satisfaction Award, and ranked #129 on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 list. In 2026, the brand ranked in Entrepreneur’s list of Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owner, was featured on Franchise Times Fast & Serious list, and ranked #248 in Franchise Times Top 400 list. For more information on Lightbridge Academy’s Fast-Track Ownership Opportunities, information on selling or converting an existing center, or a child care site to submit for review, visit LightbridgeAcademy.com/Franchise.
Enhanced Support Model Helps Franchise Owners Navigate Development Process with Greater Confidence and Efficiency
BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a franchise leader in early childhood education with roots dating back to 1994, announces a significant expansion of its franchise development infrastructure designed to support continued growth across key markets nationwide.
As demand for high-quality early childhood education continues to outpace supply in many communities, Celebree School is strengthening the systems, resources, and expertise available to franchise owners throughout the development journey – from market selection and site evaluation to construction, opening, and ongoing operations.
Building a More Efficient Path to School Openings – Expanded Development Platform Includes:
“Opening a childcare center is one of the most complex projects in franchising,” said Mark Lubin, Chief Development Officer of Celebree School. “Success requires the right real estate strategy, construction expertise, and development support. That’s why we’ve invested in scalable infrastructure that helps franchisees navigate the process with greater confidence and helps position them for long-term success.”
The initiative comes as childcare operators across the industry face rising construction costs, longer development timelines, and increasing competition for high-quality real estate. In response, Celebree School has focused on creating more efficient and scalable development processes that help franchisees navigate today’s evolving market conditions.
Adaptive Reuse Creates New Growth Opportunities
As commercial real estate continues to evolve, more second-generation spaces are becoming viable opportunities for childcare centers.
“Brands that can effectively evaluate and retrofit existing properties will have a meaningful advantage when it comes to speed to market,” added Lubin. “We’re building systems that allow franchisees to assess opportunities quickly and make informed development decisions.”
Unlike many emerging franchisors, Celebree School continues to operate company-owned locations, providing real-time operational insights – such as adaptive reuse opportunities – that help inform site selection, facility design, and development best practices.
Supporting Growth in High-Demand Markets
The company’s growth strategy focuses on expanding within both major metropolitan areas and high-potential emerging markets where demand for early childhood education remains strong. Current target growth markets include Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Denver, Indianapolis, and Phoenix.
“Childcare is becoming recognized as essential community infrastructure,” added Lubin. “Developers, municipalities, and landlords increasingly understand the value that quality early childhood education brings to families and neighborhoods. We’re committed to providing franchisees with the tools and support they need to capitalize on that opportunity.”
Strong Economics Continue to Drive Interest
For entrepreneurs seeking a purpose-driven franchise opportunity in the growing early childhood education sector, Celebree School’s enhanced development support platform represents another step in the company’s commitment to franchisee performance and sustainable long-term growth.
Prospects are taking note of the business opportunity, as Celebree School’s Franchise Disclosure Document reports $2.26M AUV for company-operated schools open and operating throughout 2025**. Recently, Celebree introduced a 0% royalty incentive for new franchise owners*.
For more information about Celebree School franchise opportunities, please visit https://franchise.celebree.com/.
About Celebree School
Founded in 1994, Celebree School is a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs. With a mission to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School believes success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and connection. Each school employs a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children and follows applicable state guidelines. In 2019, Celebree School launched its franchise offering. In 2024, Celebree School’s founder, Richard Huffman, launched a new parent company called Huffman Family Brands, merging Celebree affiliated concepts under one multi-brand company structure. Learn more about how we grow confident children who are prepared for school and life at Celebree.com. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
*This is not an offer to sell a franchise. An offer can be made only by means of a Franchise Disclosure Document that has been registered and approved by the appropriate agency in your state, if your state requires such registration.
**Based on annual financial performance results for the 26 Company-Operated Schools across Maryland and Delaware that were considered “mature” and that were operated by our affiliates that were open and operating throughout 2025. A mature school is defined as a School that has been open for at least 24 months. This information is presented in Item 19 of our April 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document along with additional financial performance data related to the performance of our outlets. If you purchase a franchise, your results may differ from the represented performance. We can’t guarantee the success of any franchise and you must accept the risk of not doing as well.