Goddard School Franchise

Educators Recognized for Excellence in Early Childhood Education During National Teacher Appreciation Week

June 18th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

The Goddard School^® Announces National Teacher of the Year Honorees

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School, held its sixth annual “Teacher of the Year” competition in conjunction with National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 7^th– 11^th, and has selected four exceptional early childhood educators for recognition.

“For the past six years, GSI has received numerous outstanding nominations for our Teacher of the Year competition. Each year, we are absolutely impressed with the phenomenal projects our Goddard School teachers are implementing,” said Sue Adair, GSI Director of Education. “Chosen from more than 8,000 Goddard School teachers, we are honored to have these four educators as a part of our system and we are thrilled to recognize them for their accomplishments.”

GSI received “Teacher of the Year Award” nominations from all across the country, including those from Goddard School owners and education directors as well as recommendations from parents, peers and, in some cases even children. In addition to the recognition, the teachers received a cash prize and a gift package from GSI.

The Goddard School “Teacher of the Year” honorees each developed ongoing projects that benefit their classrooms, schools and communities. The following teachers were honored:

Beckie Comeau developed a Lending Library to help encourage early literacy and accelerate reading at home. Comeau, a pre-kindergarten teacher at The Goddard School located in Auburn, MA, developed the idea after several children asked to borrow books from the school’s “exploration room.” The children were so excited and eager to borrow books and this was a natural progression. After receiving donated books from families and other programs, the Lending Library has become an anticipated weekly event that takes place in six of the school’s nine classrooms. Children are encouraged to choose a book to borrow, they receive a “due date” stamp and then take the book home. Best of all, the Lending Library has helped busy parents and families spend more time together and to share the love of reading.

Megan Kellie of The Goddard School located in Oxford, MI, implemented a Buddy Program between the preschool and kindergarten classes. Her motivation was to help build the children’s confidence and prevent bullying. The project pairs a kindergarten child with a preschool “buddy” and the two classes come together to participate in various activities with their buddies. The kindergarteners read stories to their buddies, and the two classes have made Valentines and art projects for each other. The older children have an opportunity to be positive role models, and the younger children gain confidence from their older peers’ examples.

Morgan Cooper of The Goddard School located in Horsham, PA, developed the Growing a Healthy Future program in her First Steps classroom. The goal of this program was to immerse the children in hands-on gardening activities that build upon developing motor skills, independence and fostering a love of nature. Throughout the year, the children engage in several gardening activities and participate by filling garden beds with soil, planting and watering seeds, observing the plants grow, watching insects enjoy the plants, harvesting their crops and finally “cooking” with them in the healthy eating program. The garden beds are altered each season to grow appropriate plants and healthy food. Mini lessons are prepared each week that include gardening and its connection with nature, health, food, science and family life.

Robin Coatney created the Daisy the Deer program to further a school/home connection as well as parent involvement. A preschool class teacher at The Goddard School located in Parker, CO, Coatney strongly encourages the involvement of the parents in her classroom as well as others by having Daisy the Deer as an ongoing inclusive outside family project. The project was started to welcome families into the classroom and encourage them to partner with The Goddard School to promote the involvement of academics at home. Children in Coatney’s classroom have the opportunity to participate by taking “Daisy” home for the weekend. When “Daisy” returns, the children share stories about her adventures with their family.

Tags: Auburn MA, Goddard School, Horsham PA, Oxford MI, Parker CO, Teacher Appreciation, Teacher of the Year
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Franchisee Profile: Manisha Parekh

May 7th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Manisha Parekh has lived in Maryland since 1996 and considers it her home. She has deep roots in the community. Her husband and two children are also involved in the community and enjoy all aspects of what Maryland has to offer. Manisha holds a bachelor’s degree in home economics with minors in several fields including early childhood development. For over a decade, she owned and operated her own, highly successful in-home childcare business before opening The Goddard School located in Gambrills, Maryland.

Q: How did you learn about the brand?

A: Once my children were grown, I wanted to expand my childcare business. My husband visited a franchise conference that featured a Goddard School booth. We contacted the corporate headquarters and began the franchising process. We were excited when we got a call back. From then on, we have been preparing to bring The Goddard School to the Gambrills community.

Q: What aspect of joining a franchise system appealed to you?

A: Every challenge is a great experience with Goddard. The business aspects of running a new school have required me to adjust, because my previous in-home business presented different challenges than having a stand-alone preschool. The support system in place at Goddard never makes you feel alone. Just look at what we have accomplished so far. I am proud to be a Goddard owner and it shows in every aspect of what we do.

We explored a lot of different early childhood schools before we found Goddard. We believe in the Goddard philosophy and its commitment to the community. It’s a great, big family connected by a network of schools and corporate resources, and it holds true to our morals and beliefs as educators, owners and ambassadors of the company.

Q: What makes your business different?

A: The Goddard School truly understands individual children’s needs. We have had so many people come to us saying they appreciate our work, because our philosophy centers around the community and home. The program is phenomenal. I am fully involved and I am always here. I see every family that joins and take personal interest in each child’s development. The rapport that I have with each family gives me great satisfaction and I know that we are making a positive impact on their lives.

Q: What are your expansion or development plans?

A: Currently, we are focused on developing our first school. I am fully devoted to it and determined to make my school the best it can be. I put my heart and soul in everything I do. In a few years we would like to build more schools so that we can spread our services to other communities. This will only happen when we have accomplished the goals we have for Gambrills.

Q: Do you have any other interesting hobbies or passions?

A: My family loves to travel. We do everything together from hiking to playing sports. Children are my true passion. I love teaching them and watching them grow and blossom as individuals. My children love what I do and want to be fully involved in helping me. My husband and I have built our dream in Gambrills and the School has become our passion, hobby and a great source of enjoyment. It feels like everyone in the family, from my children to my parents, has come together realize this dream.

Tags: Franchisee, Owning your own business, The Goddard School
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Goddard Schools Create 15,000 Postcards for A Million Thanks

April 18th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Brand Showcases Commitment to Community and Military

Last month, children at more than 380 Goddard School locations throughout the country participated in the Goddard Community Games, a week-long celebration focused on play-based learning and friendship. As a part of the celebration, children colored, painted and decorated more than 15,000 postcards with heart-warming messages of thanks to send to the U.S. military.

“It’s the little things that make big differences,” said Joe Schumacher, CEO of Goddard Systems, Inc. “Through our messages, we hope to put a smile on the face of people who are or have represented our country.”

Goddard Systems, Inc., the franchisor of The Goddard School, sent the 15,000 postcards to A Million Thanks, a year-round campaign to show appreciation for U.S. Military men and women, past and present, for their sacrifices, dedication and service to our country through letters, emails, cards and prayers.

The Sugar Land, Texas location led all Goddard Schools by creating 373 postcards, followed by Grove City, Ohio at 260 and Gaithersburg, Maryland at 249.

Additionally, Goddard Systems created an online video showcasing the children’s artistic postcards. Watch the video by clicking here.

Tags: A Million Thanks, Goddard Cares
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Three Goddard Systems, Inc. Executives Graduate from Certified Franchise Executive Program

March 29th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

The “Number 1 Childcare Franchise in the U.S.,” Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), franchisor of The Goddard School©, is pleased to announce that three of its executives earned recognition as graduates from the Certified Franchise Executive Program from the Institute of Certified Franchise Executives this month at the International Franchise Association’s annual conference.

Cindy Chapman, Director of Licensing & Corporate Operations, Dana Kline, Vice President of Operations, and Rob Skibjak, Director of Real Estate completed a comprehensive course of study in franchise management offered by the institute, which is the academic branch of the International Franchise Association’s Educational Foundation. The International Franchise Association is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide and will honor this year’s designees during its annual convention in Las Vegas.

“When I joined IFA as President and CEO, I was immediately impressed by the number of highly-respected franchise executives who have earned their CFE designation,” said IFA’s chief executive Stephen J. Caldeira. “I was also equally impressed by the increasing number of franchise executives who have enrolled in the program. In fact, the value of the program was so apparent and powerful to me that I decided to earn my CFE as well. I’m delighted to be a member of the CFE Class of 2012.”

Nearly 1,300 franchise executives are currently enrolled or have received certification. More than 300 IFA-member companies currently have one or more executives enrolled in the program that provides benefits such as specialized knowledge, industry recognition, peer-level networking and professional standing.

Candidates are required to complete a rigorous course of study to earn the CFE designation, which includes attending institute-sponsored educational seminars and workshops. The program enhances franchising professionals’ understanding of both the industry’s fundamental and complex aspects.

Tags: Certified Franchise Executive Program, In the News
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Publicity – Connect and Communicate

March 6th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Public relations (PR) is a marketing tool and a form of communication that businesses can use to reach consumers. Positive PR can help develop goodwill and strengthen the credibility of a business or brand. By conveying who you are, what you do and how you make a difference, you can influence the public’s perception and opinion. PR can work to a business’s advantage or disadvantage, so a wise company or business owner is proactive in their PR strategy. Taking advantage of the opportunity to get as much positive information out to the public as possible and anticipating challenging situations can help to create a buffer and a balance to public conception if a problem arises.

Publicity is part of PR and encompasses media coverage including news stories, interviews, editorials and reviews. You can garner publicity through effective media relations. Publicity is one of the best ways to generate word of mouth, which is a well-known and powerful form of PR. Creating a strategy that includes a regular schedule of planned PR activities and following up with editors and journalists builds relationships and is very important. The audience views publicity with less skepticism than advertising, and therefore publicity is likely to have a greater impact on the audience. This credibility makes publicity incredibly valuable – publicity is said to be seven times more effective than advertising.

Unlike advertising, PR and publicity are not guaranteed and do not have a clear price tag attached or a hard and fast way to measure ROI. The term “free publicity” is a little misleading as hiring an expert costs money and placing publicity often takes a lot of time and effort. Successful marketing strategies should contain a mix of advertising and public relations efforts to help keep your business in front of your customer.

Tags: Communication, Marketing, PR, Public Relations, Word of Mouth
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Goddard Systems, Inc. Wins Social Media Star Award from Philly Business Journal

February 29th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Continues Growth with ‘Best in Class’ Social Media Interaction Program

Throughout 2011, Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), continued to establish itself as a “Best in Class” Social Media leader in the childcare industry by launching several integrated Social Media campaigns, including Goddard Community Games Virtual Tour 2011 and 2012, Goddard School Block Party Campaign and Application, The Goddard Cares Project, and Choose for Charity campaign. For its efforts, GSI was officially recognized with a Social Media Star Award from the Philadelphia Business Journal.

“We were thrilled to be recognized as a Social Media leader by the Philadelphia Business Journal,” said Ashley Betzendahl, Social Web Communications Manager of Goddard Systems, Inc. “This award recognizes us in our beginning stages. As our campaigns continue to mature, we hope to continue to build strong connections with our parents and fans.”

The Philadelphia Business Journal’s Social Media Stars Awards, created in 2011, celebrates the achievements of individuals and businesses in the greater Philadelphia area in the world of social networking.

The Philadelphia Business Journal notes that this award is not simply for having the most followers or likes. In contrast, this award is for the true stars, which are the ones that have built an engaged audience and can show results on their efforts. All nominees must be based in the greater Philadelphia area (Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Delaware, Camden, Burlington and Gloucester Counties), but national campaigns originating from the area can be included.

To visit Goddard Systems, Inc.’s Facebook Fan Page, visit facebook.com/goddardschool. To visit Goddard Systems, Inc.’s Twitter Page, visit twitter.com/goddardschool.

Tags: Award, Communication, Goddard Systems Inc, Philadelphia Business Journal, Social Media
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Public Relations: Practical and Effective

February 20th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Public relations (PR) is one of the most cost-effective methods of connecting with customers. Small businesses should follow the example of big companies with substantial marketing and advertising budgets by allocating significant resources to PR. Positive PR placement helps businesses by allowing them to attract customers without the expense of advertising. Companies can increase the demand for their product or service through PR while enhancing the brand’s credibility. Coverage can also create goodwill in your community, giving your business an edge over your competition.

PR is a valuable tool for creating interest, increasing sales and building brand awareness. It is often overlooked and is often an afterthought. PR can produce tremendous results, so your strategies for all your campaigns should incorporate clearly defined objectives and activities. To achieve the best results, coordinate your approach and communicate your key messages through marketing, advertising and public relations.

Tags: Advertising, Communication, Marketing, Public Relations
Posted in Marketing, Word of Mouth | No Comments »

Goddard Systems, Inc. Experiences Great Growth Year: Opens 19 Schools While Awarding 28

February 13th, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Continues Growth with ‘Best in Class’ Financing Program

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the nation’s No. 1 childcare franchise, refused to slow its growth in 2011. In fact, the 380-plus-school franchise opened 19 new schools while awarding another 28, completely bucking the trend of slow growth in other franchise systems.

The established franchisor was able to continue opening new schools in new territories through the creation of an aggressive, “best in class” financing program designed to help a wider-scope of would-be franchisees get into business for themselves while also aiding existing franchisees’ hopes of opening another school.

“This economy has taught us a lot of lessons,” said Tony Padulo, GSI’s Vice President of Franchise Development. “However, of those lessons, we know we need to think harder and smarter because slower growth is not an option when demand is present. To combat financing limitations, we needed to reinvent our process to be more productive toward more franchisees.”

Throughout 2011, GSI has secured 28 loan commitments, representing $48 million in loan dollars for its franchisees. The loan commitments have helped GSI franchisees secure 22 properties through purchase or lease agreements.

“We strongly feel that one of the best ways to stimulate the economy is through business development. If we didn’t find ways to keep helping would-be franchisees go into business for themselves, our progression would have been limited,” Padulo added, noting that each school employs an average of 20 employees.

GSI’s innovative in-house financing program includes the following:

In-house financing team that is dedicated to working with all new franchisees on securing financing. The team pre-screens candidates prior to signing an agreement with GSI. This ensures that GSI is comfortable that the candidates should be able to secure financing for their projects.
Relationships with eight preferred lenders. Typically, in this economy, borrowers are required to inject at least 20 percent cash, and in many cases, as much as 30 percent or more. Given GSI’s strong success numbers, its lenders require 15 percent cash injection on a lease, and 10 percent injection on a land purchase, allowing the candidate to keep additional cash for other uses.
These loans are most often, if not 100 percent, SBA loans.
GSI has strengthened influential relationships. In fact, GSI recently entered into a relationship with Franchise America Finance. Its program is by invitation only, and they will deal with only one franchisor in each segment, typically asking the leader in that segment. GSI was selected in the childcare segment.

“We are deeply protective of the clients we choose to work with,” said Ron Feldman, CEO of Franchise America Finance. “Goddard Systems Inc.’s track record with existing franchisees, business models, earnings and growth projects made them the perfect fit.”

In 2012, GSI fully expects to continue its strong growth projections, including plans to open 16 of schools alongside the awarding of 36 of future schools, Padulo said.

Tags: Franchising, Goddard Systems Inc, Growth Strategy, Leadership, The Goddard School
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Goddard Systems, Inc., Franchisor of The Goddard School, Earns Middle States Corporate Accreditation

February 1st, 2012 by The Franchise Development Team

Nation’s No. 1 Childcare Franchise Earns Acknowledgment of High Quality Educational Programs

Goddard Systems, Inc. (GSI), the nation’s No. 1 childcare franchise, received Middle States Corporate Accreditation in recognition of its high quality early childhood educational programs. The Middle States Commission on Elementary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is one of three accreditation units of this regional accrediting body.

“This recognition is an additional acknowledgement of the work GSI does to ensure Goddard Schools maintain high quality early childhood education programs,” said Sue Adair, Director of Education of the 380-plus location school franchise. “We are proud of the work our franchisees and executive team have done to maintain best in class educational practices.”

The Middle States Association (MSA) of Colleges and Schools has been providing accreditation and school improvement to colleges, secondary schools and elementary schools for over 100 years. Over the past few years, the accreditation standards have been extended to early childhood programs through the Early Age Education Accreditation. The Middle States Commission of Elementary Schools reaches out to public and private schools throughout the country and across five continents.

GSI’s education and business philosophy is continuing to gain national traction; the company opened 19 new locations in 2011. By positioning locations in top-tier markets across the nation, GSI is now located in 35 states with over 380 schools in communities across the nation.

Tags: Accreditation, Goddard Systems Inc, Middle States, The Goddard School
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