LeafSpring Schools is an established name in the early childhood education sector, originally created in 1989 by Gail W. Johnson, RN, MSN. During her time teaching at the Medical College of Virginia/Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing, Johnson saw firsthand how difficult it was for families to manage childcare when children were dealing with short-term or ongoing health issues.

Her solution was the development of the “Get Well Place,” a nurse-led care center designed specifically for mildly ill children and incorporated directly into the school setting. Today, the company operates from its headquarters in Glen Allen, Virginia, just outside Richmond.

LeafSpring Schools began offering franchise opportunities in 1999. The system provides a wide range of full-day programs for infants through Pre-K, along with private kindergarten, before- and after-school activities, summer camps, and specialized care options for children with minor illnesses.

The brand uses its own play-based learning model, PLAYWORKS®, and integrates a leadership initiative known as INSPIRED, which teaches key life skills across social, health, environmental, civic, entrepreneurial, and financial areas.

Training

LeafSpring Schools offers a detailed training program to equip franchisees with the necessary tools and knowledge to operate their centers successfully. The training is structured into pre-opening and post-opening phases, with a mix of formal instruction, on-site visits, and ongoing support.

1. Initial Training Program: LeafSpring Schools provides an initial training program before opening, as outlined in the Franchise Agreement. This program is mandatory and covers essential aspects such as operations, curriculum, and the use of the proprietary system.
2. Pre-Opening Consultation: Franchisees receive assistance on key start-up areas including site selection, lease negotiation, layout design, equipment purchasing, inventory setup, and signage. Manuals and access to the franchisor's intranet are also provided for reference.
3. Manuals and System Training: The franchisee is furnished with a comprehensive operations manual (over 400 pages), and training includes instruction on adhering to these operational standards.
4. Post-Opening Field Visits: The franchisor typically visits the franchisee’s location twice in the first year—once at opening and once during operations—to provide hands-on guidance. In subsequent years, visits are scheduled up to twice annually, based on the quality of the franchise's performance.
5. Ongoing Support and Additional Training: Continued support includes phone consultations, seminars, newsletters, marketing programs, and best practices sharing. Additional training sessions may be provided as deemed necessary by the franchisor.

Territory Protection

LeafSpring Schools grants franchisees a defined territory, but it is not exclusive. As long as the franchisee complies with the agreement, no other LeafSpring School will be allowed in that territory. However, the franchisor can still operate or license other businesses, distribute branded products, and establish corporate childcare programs within it.

For those under a Development Agreement, no new LeafSpring Schools will be opened in the Development Area during the term, unless previously approved. Despite this, the franchisor retains rights to operate other school types, merge with competitors, and sell related products within or outside the area.