Lightbridge Academy Celebrates the Opening of its 50th Location in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania
The early education and child care franchise continues to grow amid a pandemic, opening three new locations this month and passing a significant milestone in the brand's history.
ISELIN, N.J., Aug. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Earlier this month, sisters Cara Clayton and Mia Fidei and their father, Ted Yannotti, opened Lightbridge Academy's 50th location in Hampton Township, Pennsylvania — marking it as the first in the Pittsburgh area.
Prior to signing with Lightbridge Academy, Yannotti established himself as an entrepreneur, Clayton studied elementary education and Fidei earned her degree in hospitality management — the trio's combined experience make them the perfect team to expand the early education franchise.
"We all loved the idea of having a family business because we're all very business-minded people," Fidei said. "With the rise of dual-income parents, Lightbridge Academy seemed like something that would never go out of style. I have a one-year-old son, and being able to bring him to work with me is an incredible bonus."
For some, the thought of opening during a pandemic may be a deterrent, but with support from Lightbridge Academy's corporate team, the family was able to confidently -- and safely -- open their school on time. Moreover, they are poised to relieve some stress as The Solution for Working Parents® "We have implemented enhanced protocols and procedures," Fidei said. "Going above and beyond, Lightbridge Academy has also invested in the most advanced air purification and filtration system. It works continuously to purify the air and all visible surfaces through the entire center. It is part of The Lightbridge Promise which has set the gold standard for health and safety in child care."
Lightbridge Academy, which was recently ranked as one of Inc.'s 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies, remains optimistic about growing the brand amid these difficult times and CEO Guy Falzarano says he won't let the pandemic overshadow celebrating such a significant moment in the company's 20-year history.
"This is truly a special milestone for our company to open our 50th location this year," Falzarano said. "Although there have been many challenges for everyone since the pandemic hit, we continued to work closely with our franchise partners to ensure they would be able to open this year and be able to offer our much needed services to working parents who rely on us. Now, more than ever, offering high quality early educational programs and child care services are crucial to the economy and the well-being of all families."
In the coming years, Lightbridge Academy will continue to develop the brand by adding two additional locations in Pittsburgh, as well as six more locations across Pennsylvania and over 300 jobs in the state.
Clayton, her sister and her father are looking forward to their future with the brand, and supporting the local community with their unique educational child care offering and charitable foundation.
"The Lightbridge Foundation supports the health and well-being of children as well as our staff, parents, and even the community, with grants, scholarships and volunteerism," Clayton said. "We absolutely plan to get out in our local area and make a difference."
About Lightbridge Academy:
Established in 1997, Lightbridge Academy provides early education and child care to children ages six weeks through kindergarten, as well as special programming for children up to 10 years old during school holidays, breaks and summer camp. The company franchised in 2011 in an effort to expand their distinctive concept throughout the Northeast; it currently has over 100 child care centers either open, under construction or in development throughout Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Guy and Julia Falzarano founded the company based on core values and a Circle of Care philosophy that places equal importance on the needs of children, their families, teachers, center owners, and the community. In 2019 and 2020, Lightbridge Academy was ranked on Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise 500, and it was featured on the Franchise Times Top 200+ in 2018 and 2019. To learn more about Lightbridge Academy, prospective families and franchisees are encouraged to visit http://www.LightbridgeAcademy.com or call (732) 980-1900 x 199.
SOURCE Lightbridge Academy
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