Casa De Corazón is a premier Spanish immersion daycare and preschool franchise. Founded in 2002 by Natalie Standridge in Maple Grove, Minnesota, it operates under Casa Franchising, LLC, headquartered in Maple Grove, MN. The organization began franchising in 2016 and now has six units across Minnesota and Wisconsin as of 2022.

Casa De Corazón offers full-day bilingual early-childhood education for children aged six weeks to five years. It features a proprietary Spanish-immersion curriculum, organic farm-to-table meals, emotional-intelligence training, environmental stewardship, and certified kitchens in each center. The program integrates social responsibility, healthy living, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly practices like cloth diapers and composting.

The franchise differentiates itself with its holistic, intercultural approach. It blends language learning, mindful play, organic nutrition, and environmental care into a nurturing environment that fosters bilingualism, cultural awareness, and healthy habits — all supported by passionate, bilingual staff.

Training

Casa de Corazón offers a comprehensive and multi-level training program for its franchisees to ensure adherence to brand standards and successful center operations.

1. Initial Training Program
   Franchisees, two Directors, and an Operations Manager (if applicable) must attend a 10-day Initial Training Program within 90 days prior to the center opening. If the franchisee is also a Director, only one additional Director must attend. This training, usually held in Minnesota, is free of charge but travel and living expenses must be covered by the franchisee.
2. New Director/Operations Manager Training
   Any new Director or Operations Manager must complete a specific training program within 90 days of starting their role. This training costs $5,000 for up to five attendees and is typically held at the franchisor’s offices.
3. Curriculum and Assessment Training
   All teachers must complete curriculum and assessment training within one year of beginning classroom teaching. If provided by the franchisor, this training costs $150 per hour plus travel and living expenses for the trainer if not conducted at the franchisor's location.
4. Financial Training
   The franchisee and their accountant must complete online financial training within 30 days of opening the center.

Territory Protection

Casa de Corazón provides franchisees with a Designated Territory, typically encompassing the lesser of a 3-mile radius or an area with 10,000 households around the center. Within this area, the franchisor agrees not to authorize or operate another Casa de Corazón location as long as the franchisee complies with the agreement.

However, this territory is not exclusive in the broader sense, as other similar or competitive businesses may still operate nearby under different branding.

The franchisor reserves the right to modify or reduce the Designated Territory if the franchisee fails to meet specific performance metrics, such as maintaining 90% student enrollment by the second anniversary.