The Goddard School's Dave Collins honored as Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association. Owner of The Goddard Schools of Edgewater and Eldersburg, MD, recognized for excellence in franchising. King of Prussia, PA, Sept. 15, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) - The International Franchise Association (IFA) today named Dave Collins, owner of The Goddard Schools of Edgewater, MD, and Eldersburg, MD, a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Collins was nominated by Goddard Systems, LLC, the manager of The Goddard School(R) franchise system, and will be honored today at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C. The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees and embodying an entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model. "I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the International Franchise Association as a Franchisee of the Year," said Collins. " I have always believed that early childhood education has the power to shape a child's future, and I'm proud to help build communities through The Goddard School. This recognition belongs to our directors, teachers and staff, whose passion for nurturing curiosity, supporting growth and partnering with families builds confidence and a lifelong love of learning." The Goddard Schools of Edgewater and Eldersburg are two of the more than 680 locations in The Goddard School franchise system, the nation's leading provider of premium early childhood education. Admired in the Goddard School system for his commitment to supporting fellow franchisees, Collins is an engaged member of the organization's Operations Excellence Input Group and school mentorship program. He regularly reviews and pressure-tests new initiatives and shares feedback that helps strengthen best practices across the system, including enhancements to the tour and enrollment experience that create a more personalized journey for families. "Through his dedication to educational excellence, support of fellow franchisees and unwavering commitment to children and families, Dave Collins embodies the very best of The Goddard School," said Darin Harris, CEO of Goddard Systems, LLC. "Dave's leadership has strengthened the broader Goddard School system through his willingness to share insights, serve as a resource for others and champion continuous improvement. We are proud to celebrate this well-earned recognition and congratulate him on being named an IFA Franchisee of the Year." Collins' contributions to The Goddard School franchise system have also earned recognition from within the organization. Earlier this year, Collins was named The Goddard School's 2026 Franchisee of the Year, an award that celebrates a Goddard School franchisee whose leadership, performance and deep commitment to early childhood education embody the heart and spirit of The Goddard School. Furthermore, both of his schools were recognized as 2026 Goddard School Circle of Excellence members, an accolade that honors the highest-performing schools across the system.

Early childhood education franchise previews new Bellevue location. * Gunner Stuns * 17 hrs ago Early childhood education franchise The Goddard School is soon opening a new Bellevue location. The organization's fifth branch in the Seattle region, The Goddard School of Bellevue-Eastgate will be the first location owned by Sumi Seth, a 17-year local resident and parent. The 13,000-square-foot facility will be located at 15325 SE 30th Place, Suite 175, and will feature 13 classrooms to educate roughly 200 students of ages up to 6 years old. The school will also add 35 teaching jobs to the community, according to a press release from the school. "As a parent of two daughters, I understand how important it is for families to find a safe, nurturing environment where their children can learn, grow and thrive," said Seth in the release. "Expanding The Goddard School's presence in our area is an opportunity to support even more local families with a high-quality early childhood education experience that helps build a strong foundation for lifelong success." The Goddard School uses what it characterizes as an inquiry-based education program called Wonder of Learning, which embraces the idea that the best way for children to learn is by encouraging their curiosity. The goal is for children to learn about themselves and the world around them by "exploring their interests, investigating concepts, and asking questions," according to the release. Wonder of Learning is said to feature a "cutting-edge" curriculum developed by educators, researchers, physicians, and early childhood experts. The program also includes built-in assessment of academic and social-emotional progress. Family communication is done via a proprietary app. The new Bellevue location will feature a multi-purpose room, an outdoor classroom, and multiple playgrounds. The outdoor learning space is designed to give students the opportunity to engage with nature and extend their learning beyond a traditional classroom setting. The school will also equipped with hospital-grade sanitization equipment to ensure a healthy environment.

The Goddard School is coming to Greensboro. * Sep 3, 2026 Updated 10 hrs ago * 0 Local parent partners with experienced Goddard School operator to open premium early childhood education center to serve area families in early 2027. GREENSBORO, N.C. (September 1, 2026) - The Goddard School(R), a nationally acclaimed early childhood education franchise, is set to open its first location in Greensboro in early 2027, bringing the inquiry-based learning experience to area families. The Goddard School of Greensboro is the first location for Ravi Anumakonda, a local parent who has been a part of the Triad community for over 15 years. Anumakonda is partnering with seasoned Goddard School operator David Darmstaedter, who has owned The Goddard School of Matthews since 2019. Located at 3200 Horse Pen Creek Road, this 11,300-square-foot early childhood education center will have 11 classrooms to provide care for and educate approximately 160 students from six weeks to six years old. Additionally, the school will create approximately 25 teaching jobs in the community. "We're thrilled to bring The Goddard School experience to Greensboro and help children build a strong foundation for lifelong learning," said Anumakonda. "As a parent, I understand how important it is to find a school where your child feels safe, supported and excited to learn. We look forward to creating a welcoming environment where children can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, while providing families with the confidence and peace of mind that comes from exceptional early childhood education and care." The new school will have thoughtfully designed classrooms and outdoor spaces that extend learning beyond the classroom, with opportunities for active play, music, STEM exploration and discovery. Additionally, the school will be equipped with hospital-grade sanitization equipment to ensure a healthy environment. The Goddard School's exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning(R), embraces how children learn best - through their innate curiosity - because research confirms that when wonder leads, learning follows. Wonder of Learning features a cutting-edge curriculum developed by a diversely skilled group of educators, researchers, physicians and early childhood experts, as well as built-in assessment of academic and social-emotional progress and family communication via a proprietary app. With teacher-guided inquiry topics, children learn about themselves and the world around them by exploring their interests, investigating concepts and asking questions. For families interested in learning more about The Goddard School and how to enroll in the new Greensboro location, call 336-937-7773. ABOUT THE GODDARD SCHOOL(R) The Goddard School - the trusted leader in early childhood education - has partnered with families for nearly four decades to create joyful, supportive environments where children flourish. With a commitment to nurturing curiosity, character and a love of learning, The Goddard School fosters social, emotional and academic development to empower each child to grow into the best version of themselves. The Goddard School's approach to education starts with a simple belief: children learn best when they are encouraged to explore their natural curiosity. Through its exclusive inquiry-based education program, Wonder of Learning(R), children learn through hands-on discovery, while teachers thoughtfully build on their interests to create engaging, personalized classrooms. Supported by expert knowledge, data-driven insights and a deep understanding of child development, Wonder of Learning helps children build critical thinking and problem-solving skills while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. The Goddard School serves almost 100,000 students from six weeks to six years old in 37 states and Washington, D.C. To learn more, visit GoddardSchool.com.