Kiddie Academy Franchisees Win IFA's Top Honor
Event summary
- Kiddie Academy franchisees Preeti and Vic Gulati named IFA 2026 Franchisees of the Year for operational excellence and community impact.
- The Gulatis operate three Kiddie Academy locations in the Chicago area, opened since 2015.
- IFA honored 89 franchisees total at its Advocacy Summit Luncheon in Washington, D.C. on September 15, 2026.
- Kiddie Academy operates 375 locations across 40 states and D.C., serving over 40,000 children.
The big picture
The award highlights Kiddie Academy's ability to cultivate high-performing franchisees, a critical factor in scaling its educational childcare model. With nearly 832,000 franchise locations globally, the IFA's recognition underscores the importance of franchisee-driven growth in the childcare sector. The Gulatis' success suggests a potential blueprint for other franchisees to balance operational excellence with community impact.
What we're watching
- Franchisee Performance
- Whether Kiddie Academy can replicate the Gulatis' success across its broader franchise network.
- Community Engagement
- How the brand leverages this recognition to strengthen its philanthropic and local outreach initiatives.
- Expansion Strategy
- The pace at which Kiddie Academy adds new franchise locations, particularly in high-demand urban markets.