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^® 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.

For more information about The Goddard School, please visit GoddardSchool.com, and to learn about franchise opportunities, go to GoddardSchoolFranchise.com.

Joe Markle
Goddard Systems, LLC
610-405-9569
jmarkle@goddardsystems.com