Wondering how to sell your daycare business without losing the legacy you’ve worked so hard to build? It’s key to find a buyer who shares your values and vision in order to preserve your daycare’s reputation. While there may be many potential buyers when selling your daycare, from individuals to franchises, it’s understandable that you’ll want to take a deep dive into each prospect to ensure you’re comfortable with the transfer.
As a well-respected leader in the early childcare education industry, The Goddard School is an ideal candidate to consider when selling a daycare. Backed by over 35 years of experience and a proven business model, the Goddard School supports more than 627 franchise locations across 38 states. We have consistently held rankings on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500 List, in the Franchise Times, and in Franchise Business Review’s Top 200. From our tried-and-true curriculum and trusted brand identity to our comprehensive franchisee training program and ongoing support, The Goddard School is positioned to help franchise owners attain long-term success.
Factors to Consider When Selling Your Daycare
As you do the research about how to sell your daycare business, you’ll need to understand the financial considerations to take into account. To begin, you’ll want to compile information about your business’s earnings, your financial statements, tax returns, and profit and loss statements for potential buyers to review. You’ll also want to know your daycare business’s value before signing any agreements.
Beyond the financial factors, you should also do your research into any relevant state laws pertaining to selling a daycare to ensure you’re doing everything by the book.
Finally, you’ll want to think about the impact selling your daycare may have on your staff, families, and the relationships in your community. Selecting a buyer who will respect the relationships you’ve worked so hard to cultivate is key to ensuring the long-term success of your legacy. While daycare franchise brands, like The Goddard School, have their own processes and business models, the good ones will want to protect the foundation you’ve built and will likely be willing to work with your staff, students, and local community for a seamless transition.
The Goddard School Franchise: A Strategic Choice
The Goddard School’s commitment to supporting the communities we serve with high quality education is one key reason why we are the preferred choice for franchisees looking for daycares for sale. With more than 30 years of expertise, The Goddard School has changed the lives of over 70,000 students in 627+ schools with an 81 Net Promoter Score. Our innovative and academically endorsed methods help children have fun while learning the skills they need for long-term success in school and in life.
But beyond our proven curriculum, The Goddard School offers franchise owners the opportunity to go into business for themselves but not by themselves. Our professional resources, which are designed to support success, include instructional program development, enrollment, occupancy support, digital marketing, operations, and so much more.
The Goddard School’s robust brand lends itself to creating an environment where driven entrepreneurs can succeed in business while also giving back to their local communities in a meaningful way. Selling a daycare into the Goddard School network means your groundwork will be bolstered by our proven approach.
Alignment with Your Values and Mission
As you consider how to sell your daycare business, you’ll want to pay close attention to buyers that share your values and mission. The Goddard School’s foundational belief that early childhood development has the power to make our world a better place is what drives us to be the best that we can be for our families, communities, staff, and franchise owners. We have worked hard with educational experts to ensure we are providing children with an education that is as effective as it is fun to help prepare them for school and life.
Similarly, we believe in providing systems of support for entrepreneurs who are looking for daycares for sale to help them on their path to success.
Support and Resources
When an entrepreneur looks for a daycare center for sale, they will definitely explore the support and resources available to help them establish a successful business. The Goddard School prides itself in providing franchisees with a robust resource program designed to help them succeed in every area of their franchise.
Goddard’s support system includes:
- Instructional program development
- Enrollment and occupancy support
- Digital marketing support
- Operations support, and more.
We also provide regular opportunities for professional growth and development within our franchise network. Together, all of these resources contribute to our franchisees’ long-term success, driving home our belief that Goddard franchise owners go into business for themselves, but not by themselves.
The Steps to a Successful Transition
As you navigate how to sell your daycare business, you’ll want to ensure a successful transition to new ownership. Maintaining continuity for your staff and students is vital—here’s how to make the transfer as straightforward as possible:
1. Understand Your Daycare’s Value. Be sure you’ve had your business assessed accurately so you know what it’s worth when you begin to look for a buyer.
2. Practice Discretion. Confidentiality is your friend when it comes to putting up your daycare for sale. Don’t make waves with your staff, community, or the families you serve by making a big announcement that you’re selling the business. Instead, approach the process quietly and strategically so that when the time comes to make the announcement, your people won’t feel concerned.
3. Partner with an Expert. Choosing to sell your daycare to an established brand like The Goddard School will help make the entire process easier simply because we’ve been doing this for awhile. We know the ins and outs of taking on a legacy school, and we make it our top priority to ensure the hard work you put into your business shines long after you hand over the keys.
4. Outline an Exit Strategy. Planning for the handover to your daycare’s new owners involves some give and take on both sides. Clear communication and keeping your students’, families’ and staff’s best interest in mind is key to a smooth exit. While it may be difficult to hand over the reins when the time comes, if you did your due diligence, you’ll have the peace of mind in knowing that the new owners will do their best to uphold your legacy.
As you begin the journey to sell your daycare, consider trusting The Goddard School with your business. As a leader in early childhood education, and a brand that values our network of franchisees, The Goddard School will provide a strong foundation for both your students and your staff. Partnering with a franchise for your daycare’s next phase will ensure your legacy will continue to grow long after you’ve stepped back.
Click here to schedule a conversation with one of our legacy school experts today to learn more.
