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Frequently Asked
Questions
- Here, we have attempted to answer some
of the most commonly asked questions about the Sunbrook Academy
franchise program.
-
- Q.
What can you do for me that I can’t do by myself?
A. Running a
successful child care center is a complex proposition. There are issues
of image, curriculum, standards of care, physical design, furnishings,
personnel, security, safety, nutrition, maintenance, transportation,
licensing, regulations, finance . . . just about any category you can
imagine. In this industry, in particular, it pays to have a
knowledgeable Franchisor who has already designed the entire program
from top to bottom. Further, having an experienced management team on
your side which is thoroughly knowledgeable about every aspect of
opening and operating successful child care centers is an immeasurable
advantage. We can not only save you considerable time, money and
headaches, but also, with our expertise to draw upon, you can make more
money by avoiding all of the costly mistakes associated with starting a
new business on your own.
- Q.
What attributes will I need to be successful in this field?
A. In addition to
having the requisite financial resources, you will need to have good
communications skills, self-motivation, common sense, commitment,
confidence, foresight, organizational skills, composure, consistency and
integrity. You must care about children and families. Some knowledge of
the basics of running a business will be helpful. You must be able to
meet your state licensing requirements as well. Finally, the willingness
to follow the Sunbrook Academy system is critical.-
-
Q.
What does it cost to open a child care center?
A. Sunbrook Academy
offers several size variations on our prototype building to accommodate
the particular characteristics and needs of each community. Furthermore,
a myriad of factors unique to each individual location such as land
costs, construction costs (labor and materials), local ordinances and
regulations, licensing requirements, etc. contribute to a rather broad
range of project costs. However, the total project cost (from start to
finish including land, building, equipment, fees, working capital, etc.)
for a typical Sunbrook Academy school will usually range from $2.0
million to $2.4 million.-
- Obviously, the majority of the total
project cost will be financed through a small business loan (a process
with which we are very actively involved). However, in exchange for
granting such a substantial loan, most all small business lenders will
require you to come up with a significant personal cash injection to put
into the project (typically 10% to 30% or more of the total project
cost). Because there are simply so many variables involved, ranging from
your personal financial situation to lending policies to the particular
characteristics of the project, there is no guarantee of the amount of
cash that you will be required to invest. However, based on our past
experiences, we anticipate that you will need approximately $250,000 to
$300,000 in available cash to open a new school.
-
- Q.
What kind of training will I receive prior to opening?
A. Sunbrook Academy
offers an extensive training program, including:
- Up to 21 days pre-opening training which
will take place at the Sunbrook Academy home office and in one or more
schools. At least one of the Franchise Owner’s principals must
successfully complete such training; and
- Up to 5 additional days of training
which will take place at your location when it opens. In addition to the
30 days of on-site assistance, this training will focus on implementing
the Sunbrook Academy systems and procedures and training personnel.
- Q. Is
there any cost for this training?
-
- A.
No, there is no additional charge for this training. You are responsible
for paying for your travel and living expenses while you are training at
the Sunbrook Academy home office and in a Sunbrook Academy school. Also,
the Franchisor may charge a reasonable fee should you choose to send
additional employees to this training.
-
- Q.
What type of on-going training do you provide?
- A.
Sunbrook Academy will provide a number of opportunities for
additional training, including our “Super Saturday” training, updates,
bulletins and regular visits to your location. The Franchisor may charge
reasonable fees for a seminar or training session, if it is deemed
appropriate. You will be notified in advance if there are any such
charges. You will also be responsible for paying for any travel or
living expenses incurred by yourself or your staff during any such
training.
In addition, you are required to ensure that you and all your personnel
satisfactorily complete any training mandated by federal, state or local
regulatory agencies or accrediting commissions.
-
- Q.
What will be the term of the franchise?
A. The initial term
is 10 years with easy options for additional renewal
periods, subject to certain terms.
Q. Will I have to pay any
royalty fees?
A. Yes.
Royalties (or Service Fees) are a standard part of any franchising
agreement. Under the terms of the Franchise Agreement, you are required
to pay a monthly service fee equaling six percent
(6%) of your center’s
monthly gross revenues.
- Q. I’m interested? What do I do
next?
A. Simply click on
the link below to go to our Contact Page and
complete the Information Request form. Once we receive your request, we
will call you to discuss this opportunity in more detail and answer any
initial questions you may have. If, after this telephone call, we are
both interested in pursuing a franchise relationship, we will schedule a
mutually agreeable time to meet at our home office in the Atlanta,
Georgia area. During this meeting, we will give you the required legal
documents, and you will also have the opportunity to tour a Sunbrook
Academy school.
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