Own the #1 Childcare Franchise
The Learning Experience is the fastest-growing childcare franchise with 600 centers open or in development. Inquire today. Opportunities are going fast.
600+
Locations Open or Under Development
Across 30+ states and the U.K.
35+
Years in Early Education
Founded in 1980
4★
Franchisee Satisfaction
Year over year, Franchise Business Review
45%
Multi-Unit Owners
Owners running 2+ centers
Why childcare franchising is one of the most resilient investments
Dependable childcare is a necessity, not a luxury. The market fundamentals are strong and growing.
65%
of families with young kids have two working parents
59%
of children under five are in some form of daycare
5%
projected annual industry growth over five years
Hear from TLE franchise owners
The TLE Difference
We hand you a fully operating early education business, built on things competitors cannot easily copy.
A real estate model that does the hardest part
Our team researches high-growth markets, sources the location, and partners with developers to build, equip, and set up your center. Then we hand you the keys. You skip the most expensive, most uncertain part of opening a business.
Proprietary curriculum families ask for by name
Your center comes with L.E.A.P.®, our play-based learning program, plus a cast of more than 90 brand characters that make learning feel like fun. This is what makes your TLE different from a standard daycare.
A brand parents already trust
Families recognize The Learning Experience. That recognition shortens the distance between opening your doors and filling your classrooms.
Technology to run it all
You get the in-center technology and the business intelligence tools to track growth, manage operations, and stay connected with the families you serve.
Site Requirements
Our real estate strategy is simple. Here is what we look for.
Build-to-Suit Requirements
- Building Type
- Freestanding, Outparcels, Flexible in High Barrier of Entry Markets
- Building Size
- 10,000 sq ft
- Parcel Size
- 1 to 2 acres (developed 3/4 acre)
- Lease Terms
- 15 years plus options
- Playground
- 5,000+ sq ft
- Parking
- 40 spaces minimum
- Access
- Ease of egress and ingress required
Minimum Demographics
- Population (3-mile radius)
- 30,000+
- Population (5-mile radius)
- 75,000+
- Children Under 6 (3-mile radius)
- 2,000+
- Children Under 6 (5-mile radius)
- 5,000+
- Average Household Income
- $85,000+
- Signage Visibility
- High visibility required
- Traffic Counts
- High traffic counts preferred
Investment & Returns
Here's exactly what it takes. We believe transparency is a key to your success.
$60,000
Franchise Fee
~$781,000
Total Investment From
$150,000
Liquid Capital Required
$350,000
Net Worth Required
What your investment buys
Through our turnkey real estate model, your investment covers a fully built, equipped, and ready-to-open center. Our team handles site selection, construction, and setup — then hands you the keys.
VETERANS: 20% off franchise fee
Ongoing fees, plainly
- Royalty
- 7% of gross revenue
- Brand Awareness Fund
- 1% (cap 2.5%)
Figures as reported, subject to current FDD. Veterans receive 20% off the franchise fee (non-dishonorable discharge + active duty).
Who thrives as a TLE franchise owner
Our owners come from different backgrounds, but they share a drive to build something meaningful.
Hear their stories
The Career Changer
Trading corporate life for something with purpose, backed by training that ensures success.
Hear their storiesThe Educator at Heart
Turning a lifelong passion for early childhood education into ownership, with a proven model behind you.
Hear their storiesThe Multi-Unit Investor
Building a portfolio in a growing category like 45% of our current owners.
Hear their stories
Your path to ownership
How to become a franchise owner with TLE from first conversation to opening day.
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Connect with our team
Tell us about your goals and learn whether TLE is the right fit.
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See what's available
Explore open territories and find the market that works for you.
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Apply and review the FDD
Submit your application and dig into the details with our Franchise Disclosure Document.
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Meet the family
Get to know the people and the brand you would be joining.
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Train and get ready
We prepare you with everything you need to open with confidence.
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We hand you the keys
Your center is built, equipped, and ready. Welcome your first families.
Is your market open?
We grow into markets that show real signs of success. There are currently 32 open territories across 16 states waiting for the right owner.
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Awards and Industry Recognition
Third party validation from the organizations that evaluate franchise systems.
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#1 Childcare Franchise, Entrepreneur Franchise 500 (2026)
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Franchise Business Review, Top Franchises 2026
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FBR Satisfaction Awards, Top Franchises for Women 2026
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4-Star Franchisee Satisfaction, Year Over Year
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it cost to open a TLE daycare franchise?
The initial franchise fee is $60,000, with a total initial investment starting from approximately $781,000. You'll need $150,000 in liquid capital and $350,000 net worth to qualify. This investment buys a fully built, equipped, and ready to open center through our turnkey real estate model. Veterans receive 20% off the franchise fee.
Is The Learning Experience a good franchise?
TLE is the #1 childcare franchise on Entrepreneur's 2026 Franchise 500, ranked #15 overall across all industries. We hold a 4 star franchisee satisfaction rating year over year from Franchise Business Review, and 45% of our owners have opened two or more centers — a strong signal that the economics work.
What territories are available?
We currently have 32 open territories across 16 states, from California to Virginia. New territories open as we expand into high growth markets. Connect with our franchise development team to check current availability for your area.
What support does TLE provide to franchise owners?
TLE provides comprehensive support including site selection and real estate development, pre-opening training, proprietary L.E.A.P.® curriculum, marketing and enrollment support, technology platforms for operations management, and ongoing business coaching. Our turnkey model means your center is built and equipped before you receive the keys.
Do I need childcare experience to own a TLE franchise?
No prior childcare experience is required. Many of our most successful owners come from corporate backgrounds, education, or other industries. Our training program is designed to prepare you regardless of your background, and you'll hire experienced center directors and teachers to run day-to-day operations.
Explore daycare franchise opportunities with The Learning Experience
Get more information today.
- See current territory availability for your market
- Get the investment breakdown and turnkey model details
- Talk with our franchise development team no obligation
Get More Info
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