READING READINESS FRANCHISE PROGRAM
SUMMARY
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTERS IN THE US INDUSTRY STATISTICS
- Market Size: $12bn.
- Number of Businesses: 19,894.
- Industry Employment: 253,709.
EARLY CHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER INDUSTRY IN THE US
Industry Definition:
Establishments in this industry, both public and private, primarily provide basic preparatory education courses for children aged two years to those reaching the compulsory school-entry age. This industry excludes establishments that primarily service adults and provide child-teaching services.
Industry Products And Services:
- Toddler education programs.
- Pre-kindergarten programs.
- All Others.
Industry Activities:
- Planning and implementing a diverse curriculum for children.
- Developing activities to introduce math and literacy concepts.
- Providing child and infant day care to an extent.
- Operating head start programs.
HOW MUCH DO PARENTS SPEND ON CENTER-BASED DAYCARE AND PRESCHOOL FOR THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN? IN OTHER WORDS, WHAT IS THE MARKET PRICE OF THESE SERVICES? THE ANSWER IS IMPORTANT FOR PARENTS, GOVERNMENT, POLICYMAKERS, AND PROVIDERS.
- Using nationally representative data from the 2016 Early Childhood Program Participation Survey, the calculated hourly and annualized prices for parents who purchase at least eight hours a week of center-based care for a child under five who does not have a disability and do so without outside financial help in paying the fees. The results are analyzed by age of the child, the region of the country, parental education, parental income, and hours of attendance.
- For the country as a whole, the median price for a family with the characteristics described above is $8,320 a year. Families spend somewhat more in the Northeast and West, and somewhat less in the South and Midwest.
- Spending in absolute terms goes up with family income and education (e.g., a mean of $11,652 for families making more than $150k a year contrasted with $5,900 for families making from $50-60k a year). Conversely, spending as a percentage of the family income goes down with rising socioeconomic status (e.g., 7% for families making $100-$150k vs. 12% for those making from $50-60k). Spending is inverse to the age of the child (e.g., $10,400 for infants vs. $6,500 for four-year-old’s).
WHY DID WE FRANCHISE?
Having spent the last 10-years owning, operating, and building a successful program with overwhelming demand, that can be easily replicated, we wanted to share our knowledge and offer like-minded entrepreneurs with a passion for teaching (and helping) the opportunity to benefit from our proven model, wherever they may reside.
WHAT TYPE OF FRANCHISEES ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
Having spent the last 10-years owning, operating, and building a successful program with overwhelming demand, that can be easily replicated, we wanted to share our knowledge and offer like-minded entrepreneurs with a passion for teaching (and helping) the opportunity to benefit from our proven model, wherever they may reside.
WHAT DOES THE FRANCHISE PROGRAM LOOK LIKE?
- Real Estate – what do I need? Anywhere from 1200-2300 square feet of space in a populated residential/commercial area. Our team will be available to assist.
- How does your team assist? *We will provide all the necessary documents and help you through the entire process. We will guide you and support you every step of the way. From approving property type to negotiating lease terms so you get the best possible deal.
- What is my involvement? You will look for the ideal location using local brokers and real estate websites. You choose the location, we approve, you own the lease and it’s your job to be responsible for the property and the lease.
- Who negotiates lease terms? You do, however, we will be by your side through the entire process. We will help you negotiate based on the market and what we know you can/can not ask for. Timing is perfect for you to secure the best deal given many tenants have vacated properties during Covid and landlords are feeling very generous.
- How many years do I sign the lease for? Normally the lease is signed for a 5-year term with an option to extend the term for additional periods thereafter. This will be very flexible, and we will be there to assist. If you can negotiate shorter terms with longer extension periods, then that will be the goal as you can then assume less risk and more upside once you are successfully operating your center.
- Who builds out the RR Center? There isn’t a lot of construction / set up required. We will provide a list of what is required to purchase, where to buy it for the best price and how best to set up your classroom so you offer the students the ideal environment for learning based on the curriculum needs. Remember, we have done this for 10-years we know exactly what you need to replicate our success.
MARKETING ASSISTANCE
- Local Advertising.
- Social Media Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube & LinkedIn.
- Google listing, Google AdWords.
- Joining special interest groups.
- Employer focused direct mail campaign – employers pay for employee’s kids to attend so they can increase productivity.
- Grand opening ceremony.
READING READINESS STARTER KIT
All the curriculum needed to start the franchise.
- A set of 8 books for the Preschool program. From the beginning, level to the advance level.
- A set of 3 books for 1st Grade. For semiprivate and private tutoring.
- A set of 3 books for 2nd Grade. For semiprivate and private tutoring.
- A set of 3 books for 3rd Grade. For semiprivate and private tutoring.
Manuals
- Operation Manual: Daily Schedule, activities etc.
- Training Manual: Instructions on running the program.
Website
- A local/individualized Reading Readiness Website.
- A local/individualized Reading Readiness eLearning site. (Subscription-based).
- Text notification to parents if their kids are absent from the class.
APPLICATIONS TO RUN READING READINESS CENTERS
Registration App:
- The application will allow the Director/Staff to create classes and to add/delete classes.
- The application will allow parents/students to register for the class/classes.
- The application will allow the site to be able to register kids.
Sign In App:
- Virtual App to sign in/sign out the kids.
- Text notification to parents informing them of kid’s arrival in class.
NATIONAL ADVERTISING
The franchisor will be collecting 1% gross revenue, which will be put into a separate account and will be used to initially help develop the brand by geo-targeting advertisements and promotions to areas franchisees operate. In addition, funds will be used to promote the brand nationally. These funds are required to be spent on marketing and the account used to hold the funds will be audited annually to show to franchisees where their advertising dollars are being spent. This is a value-add to new franchisees as it promotes the brand, gives it credibility and also assists in student on-going acquisitions.
STAFF REQUIREMENTS
Each Reading Readiness Franchisee or Manager will be required to either have the following credentials;
- Preschool teacher.
- The person with an Early Childhood degree.
- Coursework in Early Childhood.
- High School Diploma.
- Live training in a Preschool environment.
- A volunteer in a preschool program.
Bright, friendly, warm and caring humans required!
BREAKDOWN OF SET UP FEES
Reading Readiness Center Total Initial Investment
| Description | Low | High | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate/Rent | $2,000 | $6,000 | |
| Utility | $100 | $500 | |
| Leasehold Improvements | $5,000 | $10,000 | |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $2,000 | $5,000 | |
| Computer Systems | $1,000 | $2,000 | |
| Insurance | $200 | $1,000 | |
| Signage | $500 | $2,000 | |
| Office Expenses | $15,000 | $25,000 | |
| Inventory | $2,500 | $5,000 | |
| Licenses & Permits | $1,000 | $3,000 | |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 | $3,000 | |
| Working Capital | $20,000 | $30,000 | |
| Total Before Franchise Costs | $50,800 | $94,500 | |
| Average | $72,650 | ||
| Training | $100 | $6,000 | |
| Franchise Fee | $35,000 | $35,000 | |
| Total With Franchise Costs | $80,900 | $130,500 | |
| Average | $104,450 |
READING READINESS CENTER MODEL
Reading Readiness franchise business with plenty of flexibility. Programs can run multiple times a day (at least twice/day). And in the afternoon, have homework and/or private tutoring sessions. (Sort of a Kumon, or mathnasium concept).
KIDS: AGES 3-6 YEARS OLD
| 9:00am-12:00pm. MWF | $399/month | 12 students |
| 9:00am-12:00pm TTH | $299/month | 12 students |
Note: Anyone interested in all 5 days can simply signup for both classes. I have kept the cost very low (other places charge much higher, it’s their weekly charge). I have also kept the number of students very low, with this price, there would be a lot more students.
AFTERNOON PROGRAM / AFTER SCHOOL
| 12:00pm-2:00pm MWF | Afternoon Session | $349/month | 8 students |
| 12:00pm-2:00pm TTH | Afternoon session | $249/month | 8 students |
| 2:15pm-3:15pm MWF | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $249/month | 6 students |
| 2:15pm-3:15pm TTH | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $199/month | 6 students |
| 3:15pm-4:15pm MWF | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $249/month | 4 students |
| 3:15pm-4:15pm TTH | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $199/month | 4 students |
| 4:15pm-5:00pm MWF | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $249/month | 5 students |
| 4:15pm-5:00pm TTH | (Semi private Tutoring 4:1) | $199/month | 5 students |
ART/CRAFT CLASSES
| 4:00pm-5:00pm. Tues | $119/month | 8 students |
| 4:00pm-5:00pm Thurs | $119/month | 8 students |
| 9:00am-10:00am Sat(Optional) | $119/month | 8 students |
| 10:00am-11:00am Sat(Optional) | $119/month | 8 students |
MONTHLY ESTIMATED EXPENSES
| Rent | $2,000.00 - $4000.00 |
| Utilities | $200.00 - $500.00 |
| Payroll | $4,000.00 - 6,000.00 |
| Office Expense | $300.00 - $500.00 |
| Insurance/Additional Expenses | $300.00 - $500.00 |
| Total | $6,800.00 - $11,500.00 |
TRAINING PROGRAMS
Initial assistance provided by The Franchisor will include the following franchisee training programs:
PHASE I — TRAINING PROVIDED AT THE FRANCHISOR’S LOCATION
Reading Readiness Center will provide franchisees with approximately 5-days of initial training (approximately 8-hours per day) at the Franchisor’s location in Irvine, CA, beginning approximately four to six weeks before the franchisee is scheduled to open for business. This will typically include administrative, operational, and sales/marketing matters; it will also include some amount of hands-on training. This training will be provided for the franchisee and up to one other team member.
PHASE II — TRAINING PROVIDED AT THE FRANCHISEE’S LOCATION
On-site training typically takes place when the franchisee commences operations of their franchise. An experienced trainer from Reading Readiness Center may provide on-site training for a period of up to three days to assist the franchisee in the commencement of operations. No franchisee will be allowed to commence operations until the franchisee has successfully completed the initial training program. The franchisee will not be permitted to continue operations until successfully completing the technical aspects of the initial training program. Franchisees will be required to attend up to one session per year, which can be up to two days of refresher/update training or meetings. Space permitting, the Franchisor will provide the opportunity for franchisees to send additional personnel to refresher training. This training will be provided at no cost, but the franchisee will pay for all applicable travel, lodging, and out-of-pocket expenses.
PHASE I — TRAINING PROVIDED AT THE FRANCHISOR’S LOCATION
Reading Readiness Center will provide franchisees with approximately 5-days of initial training (approximately 8-hours per day) at the Franchisor’s location in Irvine, CA, beginning approximately four to six weeks before the franchisee is scheduled to open for business. This will typically include administrative, operational, and sales/marketing matters; it will also include some amount of hands-on training. This training will be provided for the franchisee and up to one other team member.
PHASE II — TRAINING PROVIDED AT THE FRANCHISEE’S LOCATION
On-site training typically takes place when the franchisee commences operations of their franchise. An experienced trainer from Reading Readiness Center may provide on-site training for a period of up to three days to assist the franchisee in the commencement of operations. No franchisee will be allowed to commence operations until the franchisee has successfully completed the initial training program. The franchisee will not be permitted to continue operations until successfully completing the technical aspects of the initial training program. Franchisees will be required to attend up to one session per year, which can be up to two days of refresher/update training or meetings. Space permitting, the Franchisor will provide the opportunity for franchisees to send additional personnel to refresher training. This training will be provided at no cost, but the franchisee will pay for all applicable travel, lodging, and out-of-pocket expenses.
SUPPORT PROGRAMS
OPERATIONAL SUPPORT
Reading Readiness Center will provide ongoing training and support in many areas critical to the success of the franchisee’s business, including unit operations and maintenance, customer-service techniques, product ordering, suggested pricing guidelines, and administrative procedures.
MARKETING SUPPORT
Reading Readiness Center will coordinate development and design of advertising materials and strategies for the benefit of all members of the franchise network. It will also supply franchisees with consumer marketing plans and materials for use at the local or regional level and retains the right to approve all local advertising materials that the franchisee chooses to develop. All marketing and promotional materials created will be available to franchisees.
PURCHASING
The Franchisor or its affiliate will negotiate quantity discounts on behalf of all its members, passing some or all of these savings on to the franchisees.
ACCOUNTING/AUDIT/LEGAL
Reporting directly to administration, this third-party department is responsible for the financial and legal oversight of franchisees.
ONGOING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Reading Readiness Center and leadership will continue to research methods and techniques for franchise operations (including purchasing and promotional schemes) that enhance unit-level profitability for its franchisees.
Reading Readiness Center will provide ongoing training and support in many areas critical to the success of the franchisee’s business, including unit operations and maintenance, customer-service techniques, product ordering, suggested pricing guidelines, and administrative procedures.
MARKETING SUPPORT
Reading Readiness Center will coordinate development and design of advertising materials and strategies for the benefit of all members of the franchise network. It will also supply franchisees with consumer marketing plans and materials for use at the local or regional level and retains the right to approve all local advertising materials that the franchisee chooses to develop. All marketing and promotional materials created will be available to franchisees.
PURCHASING
The Franchisor or its affiliate will negotiate quantity discounts on behalf of all its members, passing some or all of these savings on to the franchisees.
ACCOUNTING/AUDIT/LEGAL
Reporting directly to administration, this third-party department is responsible for the financial and legal oversight of franchisees.
ONGOING RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
Reading Readiness Center and leadership will continue to research methods and techniques for franchise operations (including purchasing and promotional schemes) that enhance unit-level profitability for its franchisees.
CONCLUSION
Through 10+ years of experience, the leadership of Reading Readiness has recognized a need for a new brand and business model that, through franchising, can offer higher quality services and a more sophisticated plus technologically driven approach to developing the market.
Reading Readiness Center is a low investment franchise concept that fits into one of the more traditional franchise segments. Education franchises have been successfully replicated and sold through franchising for almost sixty years. The Reading Readiness Center franchise system fits a very nice market niche in today’s economy. With a model that presents strong ROI with solid, experienced management and proper oversight we believe that this is a compelling, well-timed opportunity.
The current team and existing markets make for a powerful combination of business leadership skills and complete industry credibility. Through franchising, the franchisor will lend a solid and growing brand in Reading Readiness Center to local franchise owners. Together, the power of entrepreneurship and the leveraged economies of scale that a larger business can provide, will lend the Reading Readiness Center the ability to grow nationally, successfully, and quickly!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
No. At Reading Readiness, we believe that children are at an extremely important development phase between the age of 3-years and through to Kindergarten. Our methods will allow them to learn how to communicate more effectively, understand their learning styles, and have a great head start to prepare them Kindergarten.
First, your state/county may have specific requirements regarding the number of square feet required per student. Additionally, restrictions are placed on areas that are deemed unsafe by local authorities. As a franchisee, you are not required to build a new building to conform to our space requirements. We believe that there are so many space types that would be great options for a Reading Readiness Center including multi-use space, churches, commercial office buildings, even small retail space.
Absolutely! In fact, we are pretty confident that once you open your first location you will see quickly enough demand to open another, and within a very close proximity.
Anywhere from 1200-2300 square feet of space in a populated residential/commercial area. Remember, our team will be available to assist.
The minimum investment is $80,400 and can be as high as $128,500 however that’s unlikely. Our franchise fee is $35,000 which is to be paid on signing of your franchise agreement. In addition, there is a $10,000 student acquisition marketing kit available that also requires payment in full.
We hope each franchise owner will be available to complete initial training and be heavily involved in the operations of their Reading Readiness Center. However, you can choose to have a Director at your school that will manage the day-to-day operations if you wish.
We provide franchisees with a detailed process, including job listing templates and interview questions, that should make hiring simple. We do not, however, participate in the selection process. Your teachers work directly for you.
We have developed a student acquisition kit that offers a variety of marketing tools to help you spread the word within your community. Social media, paid search engine ads, local groups and direct mail are some of the tools available.
Of course, there are no restrictions on how you form your franchise and who it’s with.
No, a childcare background is not necessary to become a Reading Readiness franchisee.
Not necessarily, it depends on the state. We will work together with you to determine if it is necessary.
Not necessarily, it depends on the state. We will work together with you to determine if it is necessary.
We have several finance companies that we can introduce you to to leverage your 401k or retirement accounts.
There are many options available. We can introduce you to several financing resources, so you can investigate which one is the best fit for you.
Absolutely. We can discuss further on our initial call. All Reading Readiness territories are protected by population and map.
Your protected territory is assigned once you sign the Franchise Disclosure Document and Agreements.