The early childhood education sector in India is currently undergoing a tremendous boom due to the increasing awareness among parents about the importance of foundational learning. Reports and projections estimate that the market value is projected to grow considerably in years to come, with the Indian preschool market projected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of more than 15 % in value (Experts Market, 2021).
This boom is aided by the expanding young population (there are over 164 million children below six years old in India) and ever-growing substantial potential demographic for preschools; additionally, families are increasingly having disposable income, families are becoming more nuclear, and there is growing demand for structured learning.
Within this exciting space exists Kidzee, the first mover of early childhood education, which has rapidly scaled to over 1900 centers across more than 750 cities in India and Nepal. Kidzee has significantly established its dominance as Asia’s largest preschool chain, positively impacting more than 450,000 children in the process. Entrepreneurially-minded individuals wanting to have an impact in this essential sector while building a viable business, the Kidzee franchise cost may be right for you.
Kidzee at a Glance
Kidzee is clearly the top name in Indian preschools thanks to its unique way of teaching and large number of preschools. Kidzee was launched by Zee Learn Ltd., an important education company, in 2003 and immediately earned a place by focusing on child development as a whole. The special curriculum called ‘iLLUME’ is created to assist in a child’s all-round growth with a structured and flexible plan. This way of teaching thinks of every child as unique.
The company’s commitment to good education is visible through thorough training that is given to franchisees and educators to keep the curriculum the same everywhere. The brand is recognized and trusted by parents because of its two decades of serving them and helping their children achieve good results.
- Honored as India’s Most Trusted Preschool (Brand Trust Report, 2021 & 2022)
- Ranked among Top 100 Franchise Opportunities 2022 by Franchise India
- Recognized at World Education Summit 2020 and Indian Education Awards 2020
Key Highlights
- Market Leader: Kidzee is proud to be Asia’s largest preschool chain, achieved through the scale of the network and consistency in quality over time. Operating for 20+ years, Kidzee is backed by Zee Learn Ltd., with over 2,000 centers across 750+ cities in India and Nepal, educating 1.4 million children.
- Reputable Business Model: With over 1900+ centers in operation, Kidzee demonstrates that it has a proven business model and a successful franchise model, reducing risk for newly created entrepreneurs. Over 10,000 educators trained with 80+ hours of instruction, plus counsellor training to engage parents effectively.
- Proprietary Curriculum (iLLUME): The unique iLLUME methodology for preschool education is differentiating and provides a framework in which the child is at the center of learning.
- Established Brand Recognition: As part of Zee Learn Ltd., Kidzee has established an amount of brand recognition and trust that makes attracting enrollments easier.
- Support System: Franchisees can expect plentiful support as they set up and operationalize their center, including site selection, marketing, and ongoing training.
- Holistic Development: Development for the child starts with education, but is also social, emotional, physical, and cognitive, preparing the child for success.
- Regular Updates: Kidzee regularly updates its curriculum and teaching practices to align with global best practices in the early education sector.
- Support: Includes 50+ Territory & Academic Managers, marketing plans, enrollment support, seminars, counsellor training, and operational assistance.
Why Choose a Kidzee Franchise?
Choosing a Kidzee franchise entails many benefits – especially if you are an aspiring entrepreneur who loves early education.
- Entering a High-Growth Industry: As mentioned in the intro, the early childhood education space, especially in India, is rapidly expanding and is very ripe for growth, growth which a Kidzee franchise will help you tap into as it enables you to enter a sector which is very lucrative!
- Access to a Trusted Brand: Establishing your brand as an independent preschool will take a lot of time and effort to build credibility and attract students. Kidzee means you enter with a brand that is nationally recognized and trusted, meaning your marketing effort will be reduced and parents will have confidence.
- Lower Business Risk: Franchising in general has lower risk as a way of starting a business compared to an independent start up, but with Kidzee you have a fully established operation manual and procedures that you can follow. You do not just buy a Kidzee franchise, rather you gain the privilege of becoming part of a trusted and successful system that is proven, and has already been established year upon year of success.
- Regulated Training and Development: Kidzee Franchisees provides expansive training to take care of everything from curriculum to classroom management; to marketing to financials. After training, you will be followed closely and embraced through support which will help you start and maintain your centre regardless of your previous experience in education.
- Economies of Scale: Franchisees often enjoy bulk discounts on educational materials, toys, and indicatives due to large orders as part of the Kidzee franchisee group.
- Ongoing development: The Kidzee central team has a continuous development and research function to keep curriculum and teaching methods up-to-date and engaging for learning.
- Social contribution: The joy of doing good for the foundational development of children in the community is priceless when you own a Kidzee franchise, not to discount the financial rewards.
Kidzee Franchise Cost in India
The total investment for the Kidzee franchise cost may differ greatly, mainly depending on the place, the setting, and the center model you select. While the specific numbers may vary and should be checked with Kidzee, let me give you an estimation, which comes mainly from public information about the industry.
- Franchise Fee (One-time): This is a kidzee franchise cost which is non refundable to be paid to Kidzee for the right to use the Kidzee brand, curriculum and also the operational model. ₹2.5 Lakhs to ₹4 Lakhs (Indian Rupees)
- Infrastructure & Interior Setup:This would normally be the largest part of the initial investment. It includes:
- Renovation/Interiors: Designing and fitting out child care centres classrooms, play areas, reception and washrooms that would conform to Kidzee standards. This could involve wall paint, flooring, lighting and designing spaces for children.
- Furniture & Fixtures: Desks, chairs, bookshelves, storage devices, display boards, and any other furniture essential for classrooms and administrative areas.
- Play Equipment: Indoor and outdoor play equipment, swings, slides, sandpits, and other similar recreational items appropriate for children in early years.
- Learning Aids & Toys: Learning aids educational toys, puzzles, books, art supplies, and others learning aides related to the curriculum.
- Estimated Range: ₹5 Lakhs to ₹10 Lakhs (can be higher on larger places or premium locations)
- 2,000–3,000 sqft of space
- Training & Curriculum Materials: The curriculum is proprietary, and while there are no kidzee franchise costs to purchase curriculum and most of it is web‐based, there may be costs to initial training of staff and procurement of specialized curriculum kits.
- Estimated Range: ₹50,000 to ₹1 Lakh
- Marketing & Promotion (Initial): Kidzee franchise cost like small pay per click advertising, flyers, banners, local newspaper ads, or other forms of digital promotions used to attract students to a local location.
- Estimated Range: ₹50,000 to ₹1 Lakh
- Working Capital:In other words, it is essential for curbing those initial operating expenses until enough revenues can begin to stream in. It includes salaries for staff, rent in case of premises on lease, utilities and all other daily expenses for the first few months.
- Estimated Range: ₹1 Lakh to ₹3 Lakhs
Total Estimated Initial Investment:
The number of franchisees a person can open depends on the amount of the investment which the person makes. So, based on their estimates, the total initial investment required for starting up a Kidzee franchise cost ranges between ₹15 Lakhs to ₹16 Lakhs. There has to be some buffer for unforeseen expenses.
Expected Revenue and Return on Investment (ROI)
Accurately projecting revenue and ROI for a Kidzee franchise is complicated and unique to each center, because:
- Student Enrollment: The number of students enrolled is the major revenue driver, which is driven by your center location within its local demographics, your competition, and your marketing.
- Fee Structure: The tuition fees you charge vary by location, facilities provided, and local rates. Kidzee provides guidance, but it is leeway for franchisees.
- Operational Efficiency: Effectively managing expenses (staff salaries, utilities, maintenance) is directly related to profitability.
- Ancillary Services: Additional services like daycare, summer camps, or hobby classes can also help increase revenue.
General Industry Estimates (Highly Variable):
- Average Annual Revenue: A good location with healthy enrollment at an established Kidzee center can generate annual revenues of ₹15 Lakhs to ₹30 Lakhs or more. This is a large estimate and a lot of variance is possible.
- Profit Margins: Profit margins for preschool can range from 20% to 35% after costs of operation and royalty.
- Break-evens: A typical Kidzee franchise cost can break-even in 1 to 2 years after franchising based on the ramp-up with enrollment and their investment.
- Return on investment: Given the growth of the early education sector, and if the Kidzee franchise is successful, the return on investment can be strong. Many franchisees will experience a full recovery of their initial investment within 2-4 years of getting back to stable enrollment.
Requirements For A Kidzee Franchise
Kidzee desires enthusiastic and committed people willing to deliver quality early education. The requirements may be fine-tuned as Kidzee completes questions in the inquiry process, but typically the requirements are:
- Invested Interest In Education: Enjoyment of early childhood development and the ability to help young, developing minds.
- Financial Capability: Ability to commit the necessary start up fees and additional working investment.
- Education Background (desirable, but not mandatory): Education experience is desirable, but Kidzee makes significant investment in training. Nonetheless basic business understanding is helpful.
- Management Skills: Ability to lead a staff of educators, manage daily regimens, and engage parents.
- Location:
- Area Requirement: Usually, you require between 1500 sq. ft. to 2500 sq. ft. which includes classrooms, indoor play, outside play space, reception, and washrooms.
- Visibility/Accessibility: The location should be easily available, preferably on the ground floor and a little safer in a residential area, with good sighting. Parking is a huge preamble advantage.
Steps to Apply for a Kidzee Franchise
It is usual for a Kidzee franchise application process to be put together to confirm a good match between the franchisee and the chain.
Initial Inquiry:
- Visit the Kidzee website for franchises or send an email or call the company’s team to show your interest in buying a franchise.
- Go to the inquiry page on the website and supply your name and the location where you want to study.
Preliminary Discussion & Information Sharing:
- The Kidzee representative will get in touch with you to learn about your past, financial status, and future dreams.
- They will tell you about the Kidzee model and clarify your initial concerns.
Application Form & Documentation:
- When your interest matches theirs, you must complete a detailed application form.
- You have to present proof of your financial statements and identity information.
Location Identification & Approval:
- This is very important in the process. You can either think of a suitable place, or Kidzee can use their studies to recommend suitable places for the franchise.
- Kidzee checks the location by visiting the site and reviewing all details to prove it meets their high requirements for safety, accessibility, and potential client base.
Business Plan & Financial Projections:
- You might be needed to give a simple business strategy plan showing your approach to welcoming students, advertising your school, and handling its operations.
- Kidzee probably will offer financial models and help you forecast numbers.
Franchise Agreement Review & Signing:
- When the framers check that all the preparations are complete and approve the franchise location, they will provide you with the franchise agreement to read and verify. It’s a good idea to let a legal professional check through this document.
- After the terms are agreed on, you will set your name on the franchise agreement and pay the first part of the fee.
Setup & Training:
- Once you have a signed franchise agreement, you will start arranging your center following Kidzee’s rules. At this step, you need to choose and arrange the interior, get the supplies, and recruit a team.
- At the same time, both you and your core staff will be equipped with the knowledge they need from Kidzee’s extensive training courses.
Launch & Ongoing Support:
- Once the center is prepared and your team is trained, you will go ahead with the grand opening.
- Even after launch, Kidzee provides assistance as shown below.
Support Provided By Kidzee Franchise
Kidzee is recognized for continual and extensive support to its franchisees, which is a major benefit of being part of an established network:
Pre-Opening Assistance:
- Site Identification: Help in identifying and assessing potential sites
- Layout and Design: Architectural plans, as well as interior design criteria to maintain brand integrity and safe space for children
- Procurement Advice: Suggestions regarding how to procure furniture, learning aids and other critical equipment.
- Recruitment Advice: Guidelines and support in recruiting teaching staff and support staff.
- Initial Training: Training for the franchisee and their core staff on curriculum delivery (iLLUME), management, marketing, and safety protocols.
Marketing & Branding Support:
- Brand Collateral: Get your hands on Kidzee’s marketing materials, brochures, signage designs, and digital templates.
- National Marketing Campaigns: Get the benefit of Kidzee’s national advertising and brand-building efforts.
- Local Marketing Advice: Advice on using effective local marketing methods to attract students in your area.
- Online Presence: Assistance with establishing an online profile for your center and using digital marketing channels effectively.
Operational & Academic Support:
- Curriculum Updates: Routine updates to the iLLUME curriculum to maintain relevance and engagement.
- Ongoing Training: Occasional refresher training or workshops to strengthen staff skills and stay current on pedagogical best practices.
- Academic Support: Team of academic support personnel to assist with curriculum roll-out and classroom management support.
- Quality Audits: Regular visits, observations, and audits to support quality across all areas of the center.
Technology & IT Support:
- Use of proprietary systems or tools for taking care of admissions, student information, discussing with parents, and administrative functions.
Providing Support to Manage a Business:
- Information on making and arranging financial decisions, collecting fees, and controlling money spending.
- You receive assistance and feedback through reviews that advance your operation’s performance and growth.
Pros and Cons of Opening a Kidzee Franchise
Like any franchise or business opportunity, opening a Kidzee franchise has its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Brand Equity: Instant recognition and trust of the business make it easier to enroll students.
- Proven Business Model: Less risk to franchisees as they do not need to build a new business from nothing.
- Support: There is considerable support from Kidzee every step of the way including establishment, ongoing operation including staffing, and marketing.
- Curriculum: Owner receives the research-based, award-winning iLLUME curriculum, which grants a significant advantage.
- Market Demand: Franchisees operate in a fast-growth space and there is always parental demand for quality early education services.
- Training: Franchise and staff training occurs ahead of opening and ongoing training is continually offered to nurture professional development for franchisee and each staff member.
- Benefits of being in a network: Franchisees are interconnected and are able to share best practices with one another as well as help each other if they need peer assistance.
- Satisfaction of creating social good: The personal satisfaction from giving children a strong foundation in education.
Cons:
- Initial investment: The financial commitment can be significant, especially with prime locations or larger centers.
- Royalty fees: Ongoing royalty fees (a percentage of revenue) decrease profitability.
- Brand standards: Less operational independence, as franchisees must be compliant with Kidzee’s operation standards regarding the curriculum, infrastructure and operations.
- Dependence on franchisor: Performance is somewhat contingent on the franchisor’s overall success, brand reputation and marketing decisions.
- Competitive market: Despite Kidzee’s status as a leader, the preschool market is competitive, and operational effort needs to be consistently invested in driving student attraction and retention.
- Staff management: Recruiting and retaining qualified, passionate teachers can be challenging.
- Government licensing: Local government regulations and licensing can be complex.
- Location: The success of the center is highly dependent on an appropriate location with the necessary demographics and accessibility.
Conclusion
People who are interested in education and want to start a new business in India can benefit from the Kidzee franchise cost offer. Having an unbeatable brand reputation, its iLLUME teaching method, and skilled support, Kidzee gives entrepreneurs everything they need for a business that succeeds and makes a difference in the community. Even though it costs a lot at the beginning, educators can enjoy great rewards and enjoy helping young people succeed.
Even so, those who want to become franchisees need to be very serious about the process. It is crucial to be clear about the expenses, evaluate how big the market could be where they plan to operate, and love what they do in early education. Connecting with the Kidzee franchise team will help you get the current numbers and information about the company’s day-to-day operations before making a decision.
People who use their business skills together with Kidzee’s knowledge of children can enjoy success in guiding young minds. Similarly, evaluating options like the Steak n Shake Franchise offers insight into franchising models in different sectors, helping aspiring entrepreneurs make informed choices.
FAQs
What amount of space do you need for a Kidzee franchise?
It is usually advised to give animals 2000-3000 sq. ft., so indoor and outdoor areas are included.
Do I have to be educated to start a Kidzee franchise?
It is still optional since Kidzee gives a wide range of training and guidance to its staff.
What is meant by the iLLUME curriculum?
iLLUME is the special methodology at Kidzee, made for children’s overall growth.
When will someone running a Kidzee franchise see a return of their investment?
It might take a Kidzee franchise anywhere from 1 to 2 years to reach the break-even stage, mainly based on enrollment and operational success.
