summer camp programs

Leading National Early Childhood Education Franchise Recognized for Its Innovative, Impact-Driven Marketing Team

BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, celebrates the prestigious recognition of being named one of the Top 50 Marketing Teams by the OnCon Icon Awards. The annual awards celebrate the most exceptional organizations and teams across the globe for their leadership, innovation, and lasting industry impact.

Behind the Recognition

Through peer and community voting, teams are nominated based on the significant impact they’ve made on either their own organization or within the broader industry. Criteria includes their contribution to their professional community through thought leadership, how they drive innovation, and their demonstration of exceptional leadership.

“This award is more than a recognition of great marketing; it’s a reflection of a team that deeply believes in the power of our mission,” said Richard Huffman, CEO of Celebree School. “Every campaign, every story, and every touchpoint our marketing team creates is centered on one goal: helping children, families, and franchisees grow. Their creativity and vision have been instrumental in shaping Celebree into the nationally recognized brand it is today.”

Celebree School’s dedication to excellence, innovative practices, and leadership in early childhood education has set the brand apart as a top performing team. The marketing team has played a pivotal role in the brand’s national expansion, leveraging digital strategy, community engagement, and data-driven storytelling to amplify awareness and franchise development both on the local and national level.

“Our team’s strength lies in its purpose-driven creativity,” said Laura Rice, Chief Marketing Officer at Celebree School. “We tell a story that resonates with parents, educators, and entrepreneurs who believe in making a difference. This recognition reinforces that our work is not only inspiring growth but helping families and communities across the country connect with the heart of what Celebree stands for.”

To view the full list of OnCon Icon Awards winners, please visit https://www.onconferences.com/awards.

Expanding a Mission of Growth Nationwide

Celebree School is continuing its national expansion efforts and is currently seeking qualified and engaged individuals for single and multi-unit opportunities to bring quality childhood education to their communities.

To learn more about Celebree School franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising.

The schools will provide curriculum-based programs for children six weeks to 12 years, combining nurturing care with academic readiness.

ATLANTA — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, expands into the Atlanta market with two new locations. The Smyrna school, located at 485 Concord Rd SE, officially opened on September 15. A second location in East Cobb at 1099 Johnson Ferry Road will open by November. Both schools will provide customized programs designed to support the physical, social, emotional, and academic growth of children, while meeting Atlanta’s early education standards.

The new Smyrna school is locally owned and operated by Alexander and Cathie Ernst, who bring a balance of corporate leadership and classroom expertise to their roles. Alexander spent 15 years at The Coca-Cola Company building skills in leadership and strategy, while Cathie has more than 20 years of experience teaching art, Spanish, and French to children. She also worked with underserved students, where she used art-based learning to encourage confidence and creativity, reflecting the couple’s shared belief in the power of education to transform lives. The Ernsts say opening Celebree School is the realization of a longtime goal to give local families a trusted place for their children to learn and grow.

“Opening the doors of our Smyrna school is the fulfillment of a dream we’ve shared for years,” said Alexander Ernst. “Celebree School has allowed us to take our professional strengths and channel them into something that puts children and families at the heart of everything we do.”

“Since Celebree School of Smyrna opened its doors, you can hear the children laughing in the building, while they are making new friends, exploring the classrooms, learning about each other, enjoying all of our toys, painting self-portraits, and playing soccer. Families have been enrolling their children every week. “We can’t wait to see your children,” say proudly Cathie and Alex.

In East Cobb, the new school is led by Farwa Khan and her husband, Aloke Devalia. As parents of three children and long-time East Cobb residents, they bring a strong commitment to their local community. Farwa, who previously ran an accredited preschool in Marietta and holds a master’s degree in public administration from Georgia State, is eager to return to early childhood education. Aloke, an MBA graduate from Georgia Tech, draws on two decades of leadership experience at companies including Delta Air Lines and Equifax to support the school’s operations and growth. Together, they are focused on making Celebree School a lasting resource for fellow East Cobb families.

“Education has always been central to my life’s work,” said Farwa Khan. “As we prepare to open our doors in November, it’s incredibly meaningful to provide East Cobb families with a place where children can grow with confidence and joy. This school will be both a resource for families and a reflection of the community we care so deeply about.”

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators while providing curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

With a 30-plus-year history of providing superior early childhood education, Celebree School delivers a stable, secure learning environment that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Programs are available for children six weeks to 12 years old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part time or full time and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time.

“We’re proud to welcome Alexander, Cathie, Farwa, and Aloke into our Celebree School family,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “They bring a deep commitment to children, families, and the community that perfectly reflects our mission to Grow People Big and Small, and we look forward to seeing Smyrna and East Cobb families flourish with the support of our dedicated team and enriching programs.”

Celebree School – Smyrna is open Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in Smyrna, please visit https://www.celebree.com/smyrna-ga/ or call (770) 626-0640.

Celebree School – East Cobb will be open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in East Cobb, please visit https://www.celebree.com/east-cobb-ga/ or call (770) 874-0100.

• 13 New Franchise Agreements Representing 23 Schools YTD, with More in Pipeline
• Launch of New Electronic Real Estate Management Platform to Streamline Site Development
• Appointment of Casey Larkin as Director of Design & Construction Strengthens Leadership Team

BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, powers into Q4 with significant momentum: 13 new franchise agreements representing 23 schools, seven new school openings, the launch of a new real estate platform, and a key leadership hire to support its next phase of growth.

Franchise Expansion Picks Up Speed
Celebree’s growth is driven by a diverse group of passionate franchisees across the country. New agreements have been signed in North Carolina, New Jersey, Colorado, Texas, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Georgia, Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, and Florida. In parallel, the company has opened seven new schools in 2025, expanding access to its trusted early education programs and bringing its mission, Grow People Big and Small™, to more families nationwide.

“This incredible momentum shows that our brand is not just expanding, it’s evolving into a movement grounded in purpose and impact,” said Richard Huffman, Founder & CEO of Celebree School. “Our success is driven by franchisees who are deeply committed to nurturing children and supporting families. Together, we’re building trust, strengthening communities, and creating lasting change that defines who we are and the future we’re shaping.”

New Real Estate Platform Streamlines Development
To keep pace with demand, Celebree School has recently launched an innovative Electronic Real Estate Management Platform designed to streamline the entire site acquisition process, from initial submission to signed lease or purchase agreement.

This cutting-edge system enables local real estate brokers and developers to submit new site opportunities electronically via a simple web form. Functioning as a dynamic, three-dimensional database, the platform attaches critical data points to each site and provides the Celebree team with real-time visibility into the status, location, and associated resources for every opportunity.

By creating a comprehensive sales funnel for real estate, this system not only increases the volume of high-quality site leads but also enhances site management efficiency, ultimately reducing development timelines and empowering the team to accelerate the brand’s expansion with greater precision and effectiveness.

Building Smarter Growth: Key Hire Drives Design & Construction Strategy
As part of its aggressive growth strategy, Celebree School has appointed Casey Larkin as Director of Design & Construction. Bringing over 20 years of experience managing high-profile real estate projects valued at more than $600 million—including Baltimore’s $660 million Peninsula redevelopment and the Sagamore Pendry Hotel—Larkin adds invaluable expertise to the expanding brand.

In this newly created role, he will oversee all design and construction efforts, helping ensure new schools are fully operating on time, within budget, and fully aligned with Celebree’s brand standards. His leadership is set to streamline and accelerate school openings, supporting the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

“Joining Celebree School during this exciting phase of growth is truly energizing,” said Larkin. “My mission is to transform our development process into a seamless experience that empowers franchisees and delivers exceptional learning environments for children nationwide.”

Shaping What’s Next
The rapidly growing brand’s outstanding performance in 2025 has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Mid-Atlantic and Baltimore Business Journal’s “Power 10 CEO,” both awarded to Richard Huffman, as well as the Franchise Innovation Award from Franchise Update Media.

Celebree School is continuing its national expansion efforts and is currently seeking qualified and engaged individuals for single and multi-unit opportunities to bring quality childhood education to their communities.  To learn more about Celebree School franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising.

Local Families Invited to Grand Opening on September 29 to Explore Curriculum-Based Programs for Children Six Weeks – Five Years Old

WAYNE, Pa. — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, and summer camp programs, will open its newest school on September 29 in Wayne. Located at 983 Old Eagle School Rd, the new school will provide a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children while adhering to Pennsylvania’s early education standards.

For event details and updates, visit Celebree School of Wayne at https://www.celebree.com/wayne-pa/ and follow the school on Facebook and Instagram.

Celebree School of Wayne is owned and operated by father-son duo Louis and Michael Sapperstein. Louis has more than 50 years of experience in accounting, while Michael, a former CPA of 12 years, transitioned into early childhood education to pursue his lifelong dream of working with children. Building on the success of their first location in Fishtown, the Wayne school is their second Celebree venture and represents the next step in their commitment to providing high-quality early education.

“As a father and an uncle, I’ve always loved being around kids and helping them learn and grow,” said Michael Sapperstein. “What began as a lifelong passion has now become a reality with the opening of our second Celebree School. We’re proud to bring this nurturing environment to families in Wayne and excited to be part of the community.”

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators while providing curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

With a 30-plus-year history of providing superior early childhood education, Celebree School delivers a stable, secure learning environment that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Programs are available for children six weeks to five years old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part time or full time and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time.

“We’re proud to celebrate Louis and Michael as they open their second Celebree School,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “They bring a deep commitment to children, families, and the community that perfectly reflects our mission to Grow People Big and Small, and we look forward to seeing Wayne families flourish with the support of our dedicated team and enriching programs.”

Celebree School – Wayne is open Monday – Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in Wayne, please visit https://www.celebree.com/wayne-pa/, or call (610) 920-0105.

• National Literacy Month campaign blends timeless storytelling with modern tools to inspire lifelong readers
• Families engage through pledges, community drives, pop-up events, and at-home literacy kits
• Tackling the staggering reality that 25 million children in America cannot read

BALTIMORE — In honor of National Literacy Month, Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, invites families nationwide to celebrate the joy of reading with its month-long From Letters to Life Lessons campaign. Launching today through September 30, the initiative offers simple, creative ways for parents to make literacy a part of everyday life –at home, in the classroom, and in the community.

“With 25 million children in America unable to read, the need to inspire young learners has never been greater,” said Kristen Miller, Director of Education at Celebree School. “Literacy isn’t just about reading books, it’s about sparking curiosity through every conversation, game, and shared story. This year’s campaign combines the magic of traditional storytelling with the possibilities of new technology, giving families simple, joyful ways to make words part of their everyday world.”

Ways Families Can Join the Celebration

• Take the From Letters to Life Lessons Literacy Pledge: Download Celebree’s printable pledge, sign it together as a family, and color the included bookmark. Post a photo of your pledge or a reading moment using #CelebreeCelebratesLiteracy for bonus entries to the social media giveaway.
• Enter the Social Media Giveaway: To enter, follow Celebree School on Instagram, comment your child’s favorite book, and tag friends to win a Toniebox and Create Your Own Tonie. The winner will be announced on October 1 as a kickoff to National Book Month.
• Explore the Everyday Literacy Toolkit: Families are encouraged to visit the Letters to Life Lessons Literacy landing page for free resources to weave literacy into everyday life. The Everyday Literacy Toolkit offers weekly tips, printable activities, and fun challenges, like turning grocery trips into storytelling adventures or playing phonics games at the dinner table.
• Discover the AI Story Starter Guide and Additional Literacy Resources: Parents can also download the AI Story Starter Guide, a simple, kid-friendly resource that teaches how to use AI as a creative partner. Other resources include “Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)” prompt cards, a phonics flip chart book, a reading book list with tiered minutes milestones, and an emotion & word matching sheet.

As part of the month-long celebration, Celebree School will host a free, live parent webinar, AI & Early Literacy: Rethinking How Children Learn in a Digital Age, on Wednesday, September 24, from 6–7 PM CT. Led by Dr. Ying Xu, Assistant Professor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the discussion will explore how artificial intelligence is shaping early childhood development and what it means for the future of reading, comprehension, and critical thinking. REGISTER HERE.

Why Literacy Matters Now
Recent data from the Nation’s Report Card shows U.S. reading scores at their lowest in decades, with 37% of children entering kindergarten without foundational literacy skills. Meanwhile, a national study shows that 13% of parents feel most overwhelmed by their child meeting developmental milestones, underscoring the urgent need to address the literacy crisis.

“Our mission is simple: make literacy a part of every child’s day,” Miller said. “Supporting families in this journey is how we spark a lifelong love of learning.”

At the local level, Celebree schools will host a range of charitable initiatives—from book and supply drives that give children and families in underserved communities access to age-appropriate materials, to intergenerational reading programs and ‘Reading for Impact,’ which turns minutes read into tangible community contributions.

During the 2024–2025 school year, children at Celebree Schools, from infants to school-age, demonstrated a 56–73% increase in reaching literacy milestones between the fall and spring semesters. Serving children from six weeks to 12 years old, Celebree is known for its world-class curriculum that nurtures learning through play, hands-on projects, and age-appropriate activities, while also fostering positive social skills and core values.

To take the Celebree Literacy Pledge and access addition resources, please visit https://www.celebree.com/literacy-month-2025/.

For more information about Celebree School, visit https://www.celebree.com/

Early Childhood Education Franchise Opens in Branchburg–Somerville, Brings Well-Rounded Program to the Community

BRANCHBURG–SOMERVILLE, N.J. — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, will open its newest school on Aug. 11 in Branchburg–Somerville. Located at 1005 US-202, the new school will provide a customized program that addresses the physical, social, emotional, and academic needs of children while adhering to New Jersey’s early education standards.

Celebree School in Branchburg–Somerville is owned and operated by Jalpesh Chokshi, a local entrepreneur and father of two who left a career in finance in 2012 to follow his passion for small business. While running local Mexican restaurants, he was inspired by his own children’s daycare experience to focus on early education and make a lasting impact in the community.

“I didn’t just want to build a business—I wanted to build something meaningful for my family and the community,” Chokshi said. “Celebree is a place where children grow, families feel supported, and community ties are strengthened.”

Chokshi will own and operate the location with the support of his wife, Dhruti, a Clinical Scientist and current PTO President at a local school. The couple is committed to giving back to the community through meaningful partnerships. For every child enrolled, the school will make donations to nonprofit organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Ronald McDonald House of Southern New Jersey.

In addition, Celebree School is exploring a partnership with Somerset Pediatric Hospital to further support children and families in the area. Local residents may also see Celebree School featured on kids’ menus, activity mats, and other fun, family-friendly items as part of its community engagement efforts.

The new school opens on Aug. 11 with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the local chamber of commerce on Aug. 18. The early childhood education center will serve infants through preschool-age children and bring more than 25 new jobs to the community.

Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™, and was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Each Celebree School is a village made up of parents, children, and educators while providing curriculum-based care that prepares your child for kindergarten and beyond.

With a 30-plus-year history of providing superior early childhood education, Celebree School delivers a stable, secure learning environment that helps children develop a lifelong love of learning. Programs are available for children six weeks to 12 years old with unique curriculums designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about their world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities. Care is available part time or full time and parents are allowed to drop in and visit at any time.

“We’re honored to continue to help brilliant entrepreneurs like Jalpesh Chokshi actualize their business goals and have them join our Celebree School family,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “As we continue to expand our brand’s footprint through franchising, it’s more important than ever that we partner with local community leaders who have a passion for early childhood education. The opening of Jalpesh’s school brings me immense pride and joy. I know he is the perfect franchisee to drive our mission forward.”

Celebree School – Branchburg–Somerville is open Monday – Friday 6:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. For more information on Celebree School in Branchburg–Somerville, please visit https://www.celebree.com/branchburg-nj/ or call (908) 420-1692.

• Eyes 30 Agreements in 2025
• Eight New Franchise Agreements in Q1 by Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs
• Growth Continues Across Key Markets Including Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, and New Jersey
• Rising Demand for Trusted, High-Quality Early Childhood Education Fuels Brand Growth

BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, builds strong momentum in Q1 with eight new signed franchise agreements. These new agreements represent a total of 13 schools planned across key growth markets nationwide including Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Tampa, Clover, SC, and East Hanover, NJ.

With franchise output projected to exceed $936.4 billion in 2025, marking a 4.4% increase from $896.9 billion in 2024, and franchise GDP set to grow by 5% to reach $578 billion, the surge in growth highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving the industry.

Meet the Q1 Franchisees: Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Passion for Impact, All Opening in 2027

• Poonam Thakkar, along with family partners Bhumika Sachdev and Gunjan Thakkar, is set to open two Celebree School locations in the Chicago area. With a background in finance and a strong desire to solve local childcare challenges, Poonam views this new venture as a meaningful step toward community impact.
• Abigail Okeh, an experienced IT and cybersecurity program manager, has signed a one-unit agreement in Atlanta. Drawn to Celebree’s supportive model, she is excited about making a lasting difference in children’s lives.
• An attorney and founder of a solo law practice in Boston, brings her passion for community-focused service into early education with plans to open her first Celebree School under a one-unit agreement.
• Shruti Jindal, together with her spouse Gaurav Goyal, is taking over operations of an existing Celebree School in The Woodlands Creekside, Houston. Together they both bring over 40 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, bringing leadership, innovation, and growth to the brand.
• Michele and Derrick Moore, with backgrounds in child welfare and cybersecurity, have signed a one-unit agreement in Tampa, where they are committed to creating safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for children.
• Kelly and Lee Souder from Clover, SC, are bringing Celebree’s quality education to their community with plans to open a new school. As parents and community members, the Souders have signed a one-unit agreement and are dedicated to providing a strong foundation for local families.
• A successful independent pharmacy owner and community leader is bringing his business acumen to early childhood education with plans to open three Celebree Schools in East Hanover, NJ.
• Nagur Noorbhasha, a licensed mechanical engineer and energy sector leader in Houston is drawn to Celebree’s mission and curriculum. He signed a one-unit agreement and is excited about the opportunity to open a new school in his community.

Looking Ahead: Expanding in High-Growth Markets Nationwide
With a strong Q1 foundation, Celebree School is on track to reach its goal of 30 signed agreements by year-end. Expansion efforts remain focused on high-opportunity markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Antonio. These markets are experiencing growing populations, increased demand for childcare, and strong economic conditions that support multi-unit ownership and long-term brand growth.

“The level of passion and purpose we’re seeing from this new group of franchisees is truly inspiring,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “These are leaders who believe in the power of early education and are stepping up to bring lasting change to their communities. They’re not just opening schools, they’re creating spaces where children can thrive, families feel supported, and futures are shaped. This kind of momentum reflects something bigger: a nationwide commitment to giving every child the strongest possible start.”

With a foundation built on the promise to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School continues to lead with a model that combines educational excellence, community connection, and an unwavering focus on the whole child.

Celebree School is continuing its national expansion efforts, and is currently seeking qualified and engaged individuals for single and multi-unit opportunities to bring quality childhood education to their communities.  To learn more about Celebree School franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising.

• Eyes 30 Agreements in 2025
• Eight New Franchise Agreements in Q1 by Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs
• Growth Continues Across Key Markets Including Illinois, Georgia, Texas, Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, and New Jersey
• Rising Demand for Trusted, High-Quality Early Childhood Education Fuels Brand Growth

BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education offering infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, builds strong momentum in Q1 with eight new signed franchise agreements. These new agreements represent a total of 13 schools planned across key growth markets nationwide including Chicago, Atlanta, Boston, Houston, Tampa, Clover, SC, and East Hanover, NJ.

With franchise output projected to exceed $936.4 billion in 2025, marking a 4.4% increase from $896.9 billion in 2024, and franchise GDP set to grow by 5% to reach $578 billion, the surge in growth highlights the entrepreneurial spirit driving the industry.

Meet the Q1 Franchisees: Diverse Backgrounds, Shared Passion for Impact, All Opening in 2027

• Poonam Thakkar, along with family partners Bhumika Sachdev and Gunjan Thakkar, is set to open two Celebree School locations in the Chicago area. With a background in finance and a strong desire to solve local childcare challenges, Poonam views this new venture as a meaningful step toward community impact.
• Abigail Okeh, an experienced IT and cybersecurity program manager, has signed a one-unit agreement in Atlanta. Drawn to Celebree’s supportive model, she is excited about making a lasting difference in children’s lives.
• An attorney and founder of a solo law practice in Boston, brings her passion for community-focused service into early education with plans to open her first Celebree School under a one-unit agreement.
• Shruti Jindal, together with her spouse Gaurav Goyal, is taking over operations of an existing Celebree School in The Woodlands Creekside, Houston. Together they both bring over 40 years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, bringing leadership, innovation, and growth to the brand.
• Michele and Derrick Moore, with backgrounds in child welfare and cybersecurity, have signed a one-unit agreement in Tampa, where they are committed to creating safe, supportive, and inspiring spaces for children.
• Kelly and Lee Souder from Clover, SC, are bringing Celebree’s quality education to their community with plans to open a new school. As parents and community members, the Souders have signed a one-unit agreement and are dedicated to providing a strong foundation for local families.
• A successful independent pharmacy owner and community leader is bringing his business acumen to early childhood education with plans to open three Celebree Schools in East Hanover, NJ.
• Nagur Noorbhasha, a licensed mechanical engineer and energy sector leader in Houston is drawn to Celebree’s mission and curriculum. He signed a one-unit agreement and is excited about the opportunity to open a new school in his community.

Looking Ahead: Expanding in High-Growth Markets Nationwide
With a strong Q1 foundation, Celebree School is on track to reach its goal of 30 signed agreements by year-end. Expansion efforts remain focused on high-opportunity markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Columbus, Cincinnati, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Indianapolis, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and San Antonio. These markets are experiencing growing populations, increased demand for childcare, and strong economic conditions that support multi-unit ownership and long-term brand growth.

“The level of passion and purpose we’re seeing from this new group of franchisees is truly inspiring,” said Richard Huffman, Founder and CEO of Celebree School. “These are leaders who believe in the power of early education and are stepping up to bring lasting change to their communities. They’re not just opening schools, they’re creating spaces where children can thrive, families feel supported, and futures are shaped. This kind of momentum reflects something bigger: a nationwide commitment to giving every child the strongest possible start.”

With a foundation built on the promise to Grow People Big and Small™, Celebree School continues to lead with a model that combines educational excellence, community connection, and an unwavering focus on the whole child.

Celebree School is continuing its national expansion efforts, and is currently seeking qualified and engaged individuals for single and multi-unit opportunities to bring quality childhood education to their communities.  To learn more about Celebree School franchising opportunities, visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising.

• Industry-leading IRR Certification Empowers Educators to Provide Personalized, Data-driven Instruction
• Ensures Accurate Developmental Assessments to Enhance Learning Outcomes
• Corporate School Training Completes in Q2, with Franchise System Rollout to Follow

BALTIMORE — Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education that provides infant and toddler care, preschool, before and aftercare, and summer camp programs, is reinforcing its commitment to high-quality learning experiences with the launch of a new training initiative: Interrater Reliability (IRR) Certification. Leveraging its partnership with Teaching Strategies®, this initiative ensures accuracy and consistency in classroom assessments, empowering teachers to deliver personalized instruction that supports each child’s developmental journey.

By May 30, 2025, each corporate school within the Celebree network will have at least one lead teacher per classroom IRR certified – totaling approximately 260 educators. This certification will enhance the accuracy of developmental evaluations, strengthen lesson planning, and ultimately improve learning outcomes for young students. After completion by all corporate schools, Celebree has plans launch the initiative across its franchise system.

Why It Matters

Precise, data-driven assessments are critical in early childhood education. With IRR Certification, Celebree School educators will:

• Utilize research-backed insights to track student progress and tailor instruction.
• Ensure consistency in evaluating developmental milestones.
• Strengthen their ability to create meaningful lesson plans based on each child’s unique needs.

How It Works

Teachers will complete an online training program and undergo interrater reliability testing to earn their certification. Spearheaded by Director of Education Kristen Miller, this initiative underscores Celebree’s dedication to growing confident, capable learners through high-quality instruction.

“After personally completing the IRR training, I recognized its immense value in helping our teachers accurately assess and support student development,” said Miller. “By ensuring our educators are equipped with these skills, we are strengthening our ability to provide exceptional early childhood education.”

Partnership with Teaching Strategies

Teaching Strategies, a trusted name in early childhood education for over 45 years, provides the leading early learning platform, curriculum, and assessment tools. Its widely used solutions – The Creative Curriculum® and GOLD® – align with state early learning standards and support whole-child development in literacy, math, science, and social-emotional learning. Celebree School integrates Teaching Strategies’ platform to create lesson plans, assess milestones, and enhance parent communication, further enriching the learning experience.

The IRR Certification initiative is an investment in teaching excellence and a testament to Celebree’s mission to “Grow People Big and Small™.” By equipping teachers with the tools to conduct accurate, standardized assessments, Celebree ensures that every child receives a strong educational foundation, preparing them for lifelong success.

Celebree School was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development comes from a strong partnership by linking the school beyond the classroom, blending curriculum with meaningful connections to support the whole child and the whole family. With programs available for children six weeks to 12 years old, curriculums are designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about the world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities.

For more information about Celebree School programs and enrollment, visit https://www.celebree.com/find-a-location/.

For more information of franchising opportunities visit https://www.celebree.com/franchising/.

• Piggy Bank Pledge, Fun-Filled Activities, and Nationwide Penny War Encourage Kids to Develop Smart Money Habits

  BALTIMORE — It’s never too early to start learning about money! Celebree School, a leader in early childhood education, is taking financial literacy to the next level with the launch of its “Little Learners, Big Earners” campaign this April in honor of National Financial Literacy Month. Designed to help children develop smart money habits, the campaign will introduce kids to the basics of saving, spending, earning, and sharing in a fun and engaging way.

  Studies show that children start forming money habits as early as age five. With financial literacy rates in the U.S. hovering around 50%, Celebree School is stepping up to ensure families have the tools they need to raise money-smart kids.

  “Financial education isn’t just about dollars and cents – it’s about shaping responsible, confident decision-makers,” said Kristen Miller, Director of Education at Celebree School. “By introducing financial literacy early, we’re giving children the foundation they need to make smart financial choices that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

  How to Get Involved: Throughout April, families can take part in a variety of interactive activities, including:

  • Take the Pledge & Be Entered to Win: Families are invited to take the “Little Learners, Big Earners Pledge“ – a fun and creative way for children to commit to learning about money. Kids can decorate their very own pledge piggy bank printout and promise to save smart, spend wisely, earn proudly, share kindly, and keep learning about money. Parents can join the fun by sharing photos of their little savers using #LittleLearnersBigEarners on social media for a chance to win a Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register and Celebree Swag Bag complete with a karaoke machine!
    
    
  • Financial Fun Packs – Downloadable Money Magic: Parents can bring financial education to life at home with Celebree School’s free, printable activity kits filled with games and creative activities to teach kids about money in an engaging way. From Piggy Bank Bingo to “pretend store” shopping and coin-counting challenges, these packs encourage kids to learn while they play.
    
    
  • Parent Webinar – Preparing Financially for Your Child’s Future: Celebree School is hosting a free webinar on April 28 from 6-7 p.m. ET. The session will feature financial expert, Gino Zazzetta, CFP from Fusco Financial, where he will provide insights into different savings options and considerations to help parents make informed decisions that align with family goals – an overview of financial preparation and educational planning for children’s futures. Register Here.
    
    
  • In-School Activations & Nationwide Penny War: Inside Celebree classrooms, children will be showcased on Financial Scholars Walls, displaying their decorated piggy banks, pledge certificates, and drawings of their financial goals. Schools will also engage in a friendly Penny War fundraiser, teaching kids the value of giving back while raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities.

  Celebree School invites families nationwide to participate in the “Little Learners, Big Earners” campaign and help create the next generation of financially savvy kids.

  With programs available for children six weeks to 12 years old, Celebree School lives by its promise to Grow People Big and Small™. The brand was founded on the belief that success in early childhood development is equal parts curriculum and a connection that extends beyond the classroom to address the needs of the whole child and the whole family. Curriculums are designed to develop positive social skills and values while allowing children to learn about the world through age-appropriate play, projects, and activities.

  For more information on Celebree School’s “Little Learners, Big Earners” campaign, visit https://www.celebree.com/little-learners-big-earners/

  For more information about Celebree School programs and enrollment, visit https://www.celebree.com/find-a-location/.