Ms. Corneal, a seasoned marketing and strategic communications professional, will focus on the strategic direction and implementation of the company’s marketing, advertising, public relations and market research efforts on behalf of its network of nearly 400 franchised Goddard School locations across the nation. She will serve as part of the company’s senior leadership team and will report to GSI Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dzana Homan.

“We are thrilled to have Maureen join our team,” said Dzana Homan. “Her experience across the spectrum of grade levels will help us communicate that learning is a lifelong process, and it starts with the decisions and commitments made in early childhood education.”

“A large part of my role with GSI will be to further the brand’s stellar reputation as a trusted industry leader. Goddard is poised for smart, strategic growth, and our marketing initiatives will focus on repeatable, optimal and sustainable results, much of which is based on research and analytics and understanding our customers,” said Ms. Corneal. “Goddard is all about families, relationships, and meaningful communication; we want to stay in close touch with parents’ interests, behaviors and ideals on what is important for their children.”

Ms. Corneal’s background includes advertising agency, franchising, market research and analytics experience. She started her career at Sylvan Learning Centers where she first established her focus on education organizations and gained experience with franchise marketing communications.

Prior to joining GSI, Ms. Corneal served five years as Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Initiatives and four years as Executive Director of Marketing and Brand Communication for Laureate Education, Inc., a worldwide network of higher education institutions.

For more information, visit www.goddardschool.com.

Dr. Bach, an educational researcher with more than 15 years of experience in both K-12 and postsecondary education, will be responsible for overseeing licensing and compliance, accreditation, quality assurance, training, and curriculum on behalf of the nearly 400 Goddard School locations across the nation. He will serve as part of the company’s senior leadership team and will report to GSI Chief Operating Officer (COO) Dzana Homan.

“In this new role, Dr. Bach will focus on not only continuing to build and retain a network of quality educators, but also to develop metrics to ensure high-quality education is consistently delivered and achieved throughout the system,” said Dzana Homan.

“Part of my role will be to translate the value of the educational work we do to the business side of our organization — positive educational outcomes are not only good for our children, they are good for our business as well,” said Dr. Bach.

Longer term, Dr. Bach will lead a research team to study the impact a Goddard education has at the first, second and third grade levels.

“Assessment and evaluation will be fundamental to everything my team implements at GSI,” said Dr. Bach. “Studies continue to show the importance of early education in building a solid foundation for a child’s academic success. We want to make sure that we build on that research and demonstrate that our educationally rich programs continue to provide children with a foundation for a successful future.”

Prior to joining GSI, Dr. Bach served as the Vice Provost for Institutional Research, Assessment, and Effectiveness and Teaching Professor in the School of Education for Drexel University. During his time with Drexel in the School of Education, he served as Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on over $5 million in funded projects, including a NASA funded project to use instructional technologies to teach fractal geometry to high school students, the Pennsylvania Department of Education funded Drexel Tech Prep Consortium and a NSF funded grant to develop online mathematics mentoring with the Math Forum.

Dr. Bach also has experience in the for-profit space. He served as the Vice President of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at Kaplan Higher Education where he managed five teams working on assessment, research, analytics, data management, and performance measurement. Additionally, he worked as an instructional designer for Futurekids — a pre-K to Grade 6 franchise business.

“Our appointment of Dr. Bach comes at an important time in our nation’s emphasis on early childhood education,” said Dzana Homan. “We are impressed with Dr. Bach’s well-rounded experience in the field of education and eager to build on our successful program with his fresh perspective and insights.”

For more information, visit www.goddardschool.com.

To celebrate 25 years of service as the leader in early childhood education, The Goddard School kicked off its festivities with a special philanthropic campaign to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities^® (RMHC^®).

To commemorate its milestone anniversary, Goddard Schools nationwide participated in a variety of fundraising activities to support their local RMHC Chapters. In total, more than $185,000 was raised. Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School, contributed a gift of $25,000 to help provide families a “home-away-from-home” while their child receives specialized medical treatment far from home through the Ronald McDonald House^® program.

“At The Goddard School, providing children with the opportunities for long-term success in school and in life is the focus of everything we do, so supporting  RMHC seemed like the perfect way to celebrate that mission,” said Joe Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer for GSI. “We are extremely proud of each of the nearly 400 Goddard Schools across the nation that helped us with this effort. This clearly demonstrates that when we work together, we can accomplish great things for our communities.”

In addition to collecting monetary donations, children at The Goddard School created birthday cards for their local RMHC Chapters. The birthday cards will be distributed throughout the year by RMHC directors to pediatric patients or family members celebrating birthdays during their hospital stay.

“With the unwavering support of donors like The Goddard School, at RMHC we are able to make a positive impact in the lives of children through our family-centered programs and services,” said J.C. Gonzalez-Mendez, president and CEO, RMHC.

“Our support of RMHC was the perfect opportunity to get the children involved and teach them the importance of giving back to their community,” said Paula Beverage, on-site owner of The Goddard School located in Independence, Ohio. Her school collected pop tabs, auctioned off the children’s artwork and hosted a silent auction to raise more than $3,000 for the Ronald McDonald House in Cleveland.

For Michelle Sims, Quality Assurance Representative at GSI, the partnership between The Goddard School and RMHC had personal significance. When her daughter was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in 2004, Sims was referred to a pediatric specialist in New York. Unable to afford the constant commute between New York and their home in Florida, the Sims family spent more than five years in and out of the Ronald McDonald House in New York.

“Honestly, we would have never been able to afford to stay in New York for the amount of time we did if it weren’t for the Ronald McDonald House,” said Sims. “Because of the cutting-edge treatment my daughter was able to receive, her life has been saved. I hope people understand this partnership isn’t just about fundraising; it is about making a real, meaningful difference in the lives of families.”

For more information, visit www.goddardschools.com.

The Goddard School, the leader in franchised educational childcare, is now accepting applications for the 2013 Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship (AAMMS). The $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior high school student who graduated from The Goddard School’s Pre-K or Kindergarten program.

The AAMMS is named in memory of the founder of The Goddard School franchise system, and is given to an alumnus who has demonstrated Martino’s work ethic, perseverance and commitment to the community.

“Tony Martino worked his way up from humble beginnings to achieve great things for his family and community,” said Joe Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer for Goddard Systems, Inc. “At The Goddard School, Martino’s spirit of hard work and creativity is instilled in every child and we’re excited to see the submissions from this year’s applicants.”

To apply for the AAMMS, eligible students must submit a completed scholarship application by March 27, 2013, along with a 30- to 120-second video essay about how their Goddard School experience influenced their career path or education. Video essays should be mailed to 1016 West Ninth Ave, King of Prussia, PA, 19406 – ATTN: Scholarship.

Last year’s scholarship recipient, Emily Moss, is a 1999 graduate of the pre-kindergarten program at The Goddard School located in Dublin, Ohio. She is currently attending Ohio State University.

“My teachers at The Goddard School made learning fun, so I always enjoyed going to school and discovering new things,” said Moss. “Aside from the financial support I’ve received from the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship, The Goddard School has also provided me with the foundation to succeed in the classroom. For that I am truly grateful.”

The Goddard School uses the most current, academically endorsed methods to ensure that children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life. The Goddard School’s talented teachers also collaborate with parents to nurture children into respectful, confident and joyful learners.

For more information about the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship, visit http://www.goddardschool.com/approach-to-education/scholarship. To learn more about The Goddard School, parents are encouraged to visit online at GoddardSchool.com or call 1-800-GODDARD.

For the past 25 years, The Goddard School has nurtured children into respectful, confident and joyful learners, and Goddard is focused on raising the bar even higher over the next 25 years.

To kick off the 25^th anniversary in 2013, more than 400 Goddard School franchisees attended the 2012 Goddard School National Franchisee Convention in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to discuss the latest innovations and advancements for providing the highest quality, play-based educational childcare programs in a technology-driven age.

Inspired by The Goddard School philosophy of learning through play for its children and families, the convention blended education and fun to motivate, inspire and energize franchisees.

During the four-day meeting, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School unveiled new technological tools to help enhance ongoing collaboration with parents. One new tool, Goddard Family Connect, is a web-based portal that will allow parents to engage in real time with the school and their child’s teachers.

The Goddard School uses technology as a tool to engage children in the classroom and also to collaborate with and support parents.  Goddard Family Connect provides families with an interactive resource for daily activity reports for each child, school calendars, important forms and a new online payment center.

In addition to the launch of new technology, GSI introduced an evolved brand, including a new logo, which will be rolled out to local schools in 2013 for the brand’s 25^th anniversary.

On Monday, Oct. 1 through Saturday, Oct. 6, The Goddard School is encouraging everyone to stop by and play at The Goddard School Block Party. The event, hosted by Goddard Schools across the nation, will focus on a variety of playful learning activities, including the “Largest Game of Simon Says” record attempt on Friday, Oct. 5 at 9:00 AM PDT/12:00PM EDT.

“Playing alone and with others not only builds brain development, it also helps children develop social skills and a sense of ethics,” said Kyle D. Pruett, M.D., Education Advisory Board Member for Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School. “Play helps children learn to solve problems, teaches regulation of emotions, and builds resilience and confidence.”

Current research supports the long-term impact of play-based learning on children. The Goddard School has used this child-focused approach since it opened its first school almost 25 years ago.

“It’s important as early educators to remember to encourage creativity in young children,” said Sue Adair, director of education for GSI. “Our approach is based on accepted research that clearly indicates the deepest, most genuine learning occurs for children through play and fun activities lovingly guided by highly trained teachers.”

The event kicks off in schools this week with a national Cardboard Box Challenge inspired by Caine’s Arcade and Imagination Foundation’s similar mission of celebrating creativity and children’s imaginations of everywhere. Schools across the nation are encouraging their children, faculty and families to create something unique with a cardboard box base. Photos of these creations will be uploaded to The Goddard School Facebook page for public voting during the week of the Block Party.

To learn more about The Goddard School Block Party and The Goddard Schools located in your area, visit www.goddardschool.com/blockparty or call 1-800-GODDARD.

A simple step in the right direction could be physically visiting the employee with instructions instead of hiding behind an email message. By actually seeing you, employees can get a lot more information simply from how you speak with them. They can see your optimism or your excitement. Email has a way of stripping emotion from the message.

Talking with an employee face-to-face can also open a path for discussion and questions.  This may eliminate the need to email back and forth.

Data: These are the raw facts. An employee might notice, for instance, a puddle on the floor. Unless she looks for some context, however, awareness of this fact won’t lead to a solution.

Information: This involves understanding how different pieces of data connect to each other. An employee sees water (what) on the floor (where), drips (what) currently (when) falling from (where) the overhead pipe (what). Conclusion: There’s a leaky pipe.

Knowledge: Now it’s time to do something about the leak. Data and information are combined, understood and proper action is taken. The ‘how’ is figured out and applied. The employee knows it won’t go away on its own and that someone might slip on the puddle; she, therefore, alerts the maintenance staff.

Wisdom: As the employee becomes more seasoned in her role—and empowered to act—she will easily identify the ‘why’ of a problem and know instinctively how to pursue a resolution.

The Point: With the help of a DIKW model, you can teach your employees to analyze the data they encounter and bring you solutions—not problems.

Source: MarketingProfs Daily Fix

If prospective franchisees are looking for signs of economic hope before venturing into franchise ownership, they don’t need to look far. “Simply look at the most recent franchisees in the brand you are exploring,” said Tony Padulo, Vice President of Franchise Development at Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School.

“The mood is very positive, especially compared to the mood over the last few years,” he explained. “The economy is still challenging, but our leads are less hesitant in the process and more optimistic. They are much more forward moving this year over last.”

The Goddard School has experienced an uptick in franchise opportunity interest this year, including 14 signed deals. Additionally, on the real estate side, 10 new sites were signed for Goddard School locations, up from 5 at the same point last year.

“We have been pleasantly pleased with our development so far,” Padulo noted. “Our goal is to sign 36 new agreements this year, and we are on track.”

In agreement with this positive outlook is Eric Little, Senior Vice President of Franchise Development for Right at Home.

“We are experiencing a very positive shift in the mood of our prospective, brand new and existing franchise owners,” Little concurred. “Just last week we awarded six locations to three franchisees. New franchisees are coming to the table thinking about their own growth much quicker than before.”

Little said that in the past, franchisees would wait several years before purchasing additional territory. This year, franchisees who are just finishing up their first year are looking at multi-unit ownership as a possibility, and new franchise owners are doing the same.

“There is new optimism for franchise owners,” he said. “The mood shifts are definitely signs of improvement.”

Cautiously optimistic is Matt Haller, Vice President, Public Affairs and Chief of Staff to the President & CEO for the International Franchise Association. He said that, while the sentiment is improving, there is still an asterisk to note.

“The mood has improved slightly as franchisors are generally more optimistic about growth in 2012 versus 2011. However, credit access and uncertainty regarding tax rates beyond 2012 continue to hold the industry back from its full potential for growth,” Haller said. “With additional access to capital and more certainty on tax rates, the industry would be well-positioned to reach its forecast for modest 1.6 percent growth in new establishments this year.”

Goddard Systems, Inc., franchisor of The Goddard School®, has named Emily Moss of Dublin, OH, the 2012 recipient of the fifth annual Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship (AAMMS). The $10,000 scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior in high school who graduated from The Goddard School. This year’s other finalists included Haley Carley of Dublin, OH and Kristyn Tremblay of Mahwah, NJ.

The AAMMS is named in memory of the founder of The Goddard School franchise system, an entrepreneur who started several other well-known franchise companies including AAMCO Transmissions, Inc. and MAACO Auto Painting and Bodyworks, Inc. Mr. Martino worked his way up from humble beginnings to achieve great things for himself and his family.

This year, for the very first time, the public was invited to help select the scholarship recipient. Videos of the top three finalists were posted on The Goddard School Facebook page and fans voted for their top choice. The AAMMS winner will receive $10,000 to use toward their education at an accredited college or university. The two runners up will each receive a $250 Goddard School American Express Gift Card to use towards books and school supplies.

“The Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship provides financial assistance to a graduate from The Goddard School who demonstrates an excellent work ethic and perseverance that exemplified Martino’s commitment to his career, family and community,” says Joe Schumacher, Chief Executive Officer for Goddard Systems, Inc. “We know we have many alumni who meet the criteria and we are delighted to recognize Emily, Haley and Kristyn as they embark on their college careers.”

Winner Emily Moss attended The Goddard School located at 6239 Perimeter Drive in Dublin, OH and graduated from the school’s Pre-Kindergarten program in 1999. Moss, also a graduate of Dublin Jerome High School with an outstanding academic background, has been deeply involved in a variety of extra-curricular sports, clubs and volunteer activities. Moss will be attending Ohio State University in the fall and plans to study in the school’s honors program for neuroscience.

“The Goddard School always encouraged me to try new things and helped shape me into the well rounded individual that I am today,” said Moss. “I am thrilled to have been selected for this scholarship and recognized by Goddard Systems for my academic achievement.”

Finalist Harley Carley attended The Goddard School located at 6239 Perimeter Drive in Dublin, OH and graduated from the school’s Pre-Kindergarten program in 2000. Carley, a graduate of Dublin Coffman High School, has volunteered more than 100 hours at her area Ronald McDonald House. She was involved in a variety of extra-curricular activities and was named valedictorian of her class. Carley will be attending Emory University in the fall and plans to study anthropology and human biology.

“When I first went to The Goddard School, we had just moved from West Virginia, and it was a great way to meet people my own age,” said Carley. “The Goddard School helped me develop my people skills and think outside the box through different creative learning activities.”

Finalist Kristyn Tremblay attended The Goddard School located at 150 Hilltop Road in Ramsey, NJ and graduated from the school’s Pre-Kindergarten program in 1998. Tremblay, a graduate of Mahwah High School, has a superior academic background and has also been deeply involved in a variety of high school sports including soccer, basketball and lacrosse. Tremblay will be attending Towson University in the fall and plans to study marketing and fashion merchandising.

“From a young age, The Goddard School taught me to be independent and to work well with others,” said Tremblay. “The school also gave me the foundation to be a hard-working student, a committed teammate and a loyal friend. “

To view the video of the finalists, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zuSNYVi0K1w.

For more information on the Anthony A. Martino Memorial Scholarship, please visit www.goddardschool.com/Scholarships.