Ducklings Early Learning Center Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)
Ducklings Early Learning Center is a childcare and education franchise offering preschool and early learning services from infant to kindergarten, serving families and working parents, and known for 30-year curriculum, strong franchisee training, and growth-oriented system.
KEY FRANCHISE STATS
Franchisees
?
11
+
57%
57%
Franchise fee
?
$55,000
Investment
?
$993,000 - $2,154,000
Revenue (AUV)
?
Undisclosed
$1,783,000
+
n.a.
n.a.
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Ducklings Early Learning Center is a childcare franchise that delivers education and care for children from infancy through kindergarten. The brand traces its roots back to 1994 in Pennsylvania, where it was created by Jody Thompson, an educator with a strong background in child development. Today, the company’s main offices remain in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
After years of operating successful corporate locations, Ducklings opened its concept to franchise partners in 2016. The system offers a well-established operational model, blending early childhood learning methods with streamlined business practices to help new owners succeed.
Each Ducklings center features programs designed to encourage creativity, cognitive development, and social skills. The franchise uses its own curriculum built around play, exploration, and hands-on learning, all within a secure and nurturing setting.
What differentiates the brand is its mix of structure, warmth, and community focus. Ducklings prioritizes centers that fit well within local neighborhoods and delivers an education-first philosophy supported by strong family involvement. This personalized approach has helped it earn a reputation as a dependable early learning provider.
Initial investment
The initial investment required for a Ducklings Early Learning Center franchise is $993,000 - $2,154,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$55,000
Site Development Support Fee
$0 – $26,500
Training Assistance and Opening Support Fee
$26,500
Training Expenses
$500 – $8,000
Lease – Security Deposit
$30,000 – $120,000
Utilities – Deposit
$500 – $3,000
Leasehold Improvements
$100,000 – $750,000
Computer Hardware and Software
$4,000 – $7,000
Signage
$8,000 – $15,000
Classroom Furniture and Fixtures
$170,000 – $225,000
Outdoor Playground Equipment and Surfacing
$175,000 – $250,000
Learning Materials and Toys
$56,000 – $100,000
Office, Lobby, and Kitchen Furniture and Equipment
$5,500 – $18,500
Telephone and Security System
$60,000 – $72,000
Initial Marketing Collateral Package and Uniforms
$5,000 – $10,000
Initial Inventory
$8,500 – $12,000
Pre-Opening Enrollment and Grand Opening Marketing Spend
$20,000 – $40,000
Janitorial and Building Maintenance Supplies
$5,000 – $8,000
Insurance
$8,500 – $36,000
Licenses and Permits
$250 – $500
Professional Fees
$5,000 – $10,000
Dues and Subscriptions
$150 – $500
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$250,000 – $360,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$993,400 – $2,153,500
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Type of Expenditure
Amount
Initial Franchise Fee
$55,000
Site Development Support Fee
$0 – $26,500
Training Assistance and Opening Support Fee
$26,500
Training Expenses
$500 – $8,000
Lease – Security Deposit
$30,000 – $120,000
Utilities – Deposit
$500 – $3,000
Leasehold Improvements
$100,000 – $750,000
Computer Hardware and Software
$4,000 – $7,000
Signage
$8,000 – $15,000
Classroom Furniture and Fixtures
$170,000 – $225,000
Outdoor Playground Equipment and Surfacing
$175,000 – $250,000
Learning Materials and Toys
$56,000 – $100,000
Office, Lobby, and Kitchen Furniture and Equipment
$5,500 – $18,500
Telephone and Security System
$60,000 – $72,000
Initial Marketing Collateral Package and Uniforms
$5,000 – $10,000
Initial Inventory
$8,500 – $12,000
Pre-Opening Enrollment and Grand Opening Marketing Spend
$20,000 – $40,000
Janitorial and Building Maintenance Supplies
$5,000 – $8,000
Insurance
$8,500 – $36,000
Licenses and Permits
$250 – $500
Professional Fees
$5,000 – $10,000
Dues and Subscriptions
$150 – $500
Additional Funds – 3 Months
$250,000 – $360,000
Total Estimated Initial Investment
$993,400 – $2,153,500
Franchise Disclosure Document
Below is Ducklings Early Learning Center's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.
Number of units
Ducklings Early Learning Center had 14 total units in 2025, of which 11 were franchised-owned and 3 company-owned.
Ducklings Early Learning Center provides a multi-phase training program to ensure franchisees and their personnel are fully prepared to operate a center. Here are the main components of the training:
Initial Training Program (Phases 1-3) This includes Remote Training (online learning modules), Corporate Training at the franchisor’s headquarters, and On-Site Training at the franchisee’s location. It must be completed by the franchisee’s Director and designated personnel before opening. Failure to complete this training is considered a material default under the agreement.
Replacement Personnel Training If a new Director or key staff member is hired, they must also complete components of the Initial Training Program, depending on their role. This training is scheduled based on availability and requires payment of the then-current training fee.
Additional and Refresher Training The franchisor may require up to five days of additional training each year, which may be held at the headquarters or another designated location. These are at the franchisee’s expense, including travel and lodging.
Territory Protection
Ducklings Early Learning Center provides franchisees with aDesignated Territory where no other franchise using the Ducklings brand can operate from a physical location, as long as the franchisee remains in good standing. This area is defined by mutually agreed geographic boundaries.
However, the franchisor reserves the right to open or license Centers in non-traditional locations within that territory, such as corporate campuses or academic institutions. It also retains the right to operate or license similar businesses under different names both inside and outside the franchisee’s area.
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