The Learning Experience

Build a Childcare Business with a Proven Brand, Turnkey Real Estate Support and Multi-Centre Growth Potential

The Learning Experience (TLE) is a childcare and early education franchise founded in 2002, serving children from 6 weeks to 6 years old through its own play-based L.E.A.P.®️ curriculum.

With around 850 centres open or in development across 30+ states and the U.K., TLE combines an established education model, purpose-built facilities and comprehensive franchise support.

A typical centre is approximately 10,000 sq. ft., employs around 30 staff and can enrol up to 170 children.

Turnkey Real Estate and Opening Support

One of TLE’s biggest differentiators is its end-to-end approach to real estate.

The team researches markets, identifies suitable sites, works with developers and helps deliver a fully equipped centre before opening.

TLE’s real estate team has developed more than 3 million sq. ft. of childcare space.

Territories are assessed for factors including:

• Population of children under six
• Residential and employment growth
• Local childcare supply and demand

The typical opening process takes around 12 to 18 months from signing.

No Childcare Experience Required

Previous childcare experience is not required.

Franchisees hire experienced centre directors and teachers, while TLE provides business and operational training covering:

• Centre operations
• Curriculum
• Recruitment and staff management
• Enrolment marketing
• Financial management

Training includes classroom-based learning at corporate headquarters plus hands-on experience at an operating centre.

A Proven Curriculum and Strong Market Demand

TLE’s proprietary L.E.A.P.®️ curriculum combines:

• STEM
• Literacy
• Social-emotional learning

The programme runs from infancy through kindergarten and is supported by more than 90 brand characters designed to teach values and social-emotional skills.

The supplied information also highlights strong sector demand, with 65% of families with young children having two working parents, 59% of children under five in some form of childcare, and the industry projected to grow by around 5% annually.

Built for Multi-Centre Growth

TLE is designed to support owners who want to scale beyond a single location.

Around 45% of owners operate two or more centres, with dedicated support available for franchisees building a portfolio.

As a centre matures, owners may move into a more executive role while planning additional locations.

Marketing, Technology and Ongoing Support

Franchisees benefit from:

• National brand campaigns
• Local grand-opening plans
• Enrolment campaign templates
• Digital marketing assets
• Dedicated marketing support
• Field support visits
• Business coaching
• Technology platforms
• Business intelligence tools
• Curriculum updates
• Multi-centre growth support

The centre director and teaching team manage the classrooms, while the franchisee focuses on enrolment, staffing, financial performance, local marketing, family relationships and business growth.

Recognised Franchise Brand

The supplied information lists TLE as:

• #1 Childcare Franchise and #15 overall in Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 (2026)
• Top Franchises 2026 from Franchise Business Review
• Top Franchises for Women 2026 from Franchise Business Review’s Satisfaction Awards
• Franchisee satisfaction score of 85/100
• 4.6/5 Trustindex rating

What Franchisees Say

“As long as I follow the system and I trust in TLE and our leaders in the company, I can’t go wrong. Even though the company has grown so much, I still feel like it’s a small family.”
Lynn Ann Zazzali – 8 locations across Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

“I was looking for someone who would partner in my success. I feel that TLE does a wonderful job of that.”
Meeta Kalawadia – Owner of two centres in New Jersey

Who Is TLE Looking For?

The strongest franchisees tend to demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and people skills
• Hands-on commitment
• Willingness to follow the system
• Passion for early education and community
• A growth mindset

Enquire today to learn more about The Learning Experience, available territories and the opportunity to build your own childcare and early education business.