The demand for high-quality daycare and early education programs shows no signs of slowing down in 2026. Families continue to seek childcare options where they can not only trust that their children are safe and secure but also that their little ones are benefitting from enriching curricula that nurture development during the preschool years.
For entrepreneurs, this demand presents an incredible opportunity—and is one of the reasons childcare centers remain a top franchising trend. Let’s take a look ahead at the most important trends within the childcare industry and explore how you can make the most of the evolving daycare landscape.
9 Key Trends Shaping the Childcare Industry in 2026
1. Market Growth and Rising Demand for Daycare Services
The childcare industry continues to be on a major growth trajectory. As revenue maintains steady year-over-year growth in the United States, it is expected to approach $68 billion in 2026. Globally, the market is anticipated to total just over $323 billion by 2030, highlighting the vital role that early learning centers continue to play in supporting working parents and fostering early childhood development.
For daycare owners, this growth is more than just a statistic—it’s a sign of sustained opportunity. Families are prioritizing high-quality early childhood care, and daycare centers that can meet these expectations stand to benefit significantly in this expanding market.
2. Opportunities for Learning Through Play
It’s no surprise that technology is everywhere. However, as we head into 2026, a shift among early childhood educators away from using technology when teaching is a trend that continues to strengthen. Instead of relying on screens and gadgets, some daycare centers have embraced more play-based learning. Whether it’s building with blocks, exploring different sensory materials, or practicing teamwork, a hands-on curriculum focused on learning through creative play empowers children to develop essential skills while having fun at the same time.
We’re proud to be one of the few childcare centers committed to technology-free education. The Ducklings approach is rooted in the belief that kids learn best when they’re using their imaginations, engaging their senses, and playing with others. Our talented team of educators is committed to nurturing curiosity in a way that prepares children for the future without relying on technology.
3. A Growing Focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Social-emotional learning (SEL) continues to be a top priority in early education. Focused on teaching children critical skills like emotional regulation, empathy, and effective communication, SEL ensures young children receive an education that fosters their holistic development.
In 2026, expect to see more daycare centers integrating SEL into their curricula. Activities like group play, mindfulness prompts, and emotional check-ins are becoming staples in teachers’ toolkits. These exercises help encourage social and emotional development while giving each child the individual attention they need to grow at their own pace.
4. Tackling the Shortage of Early Childhood Educators
One of the most pressing challenges in the childcare industry today is the shortage of qualified early childhood educators. While the workforce initially saw gains in the post-pandemic years, there has been a gradual decline in the number of childcare educators since 2024.
To combat this educator shortage, daycare owners are focusing on strategies to attract and retain top talent. Operators should aim to create supportive workplace environments that encourage professional growth. Initiatives like ongoing training programs, recognition for achievements, and competitive benefits can go a long way in boosting staff retention. At Ducklings, we help franchisees find and place the right team members so that they can focus on nurturing a rewarding work atmosphere.
5. Sustainability Practices in Childcare
Today’s families are more eco-conscious than ever, and they’re looking for businesses that align with their values. For 78% of consumers, sustainability is an important factor in how they choose to spend their money.
Daycare owners continue to invest in sustainable practices, such as using non-toxic cleaning supplies, reducing energy usage, and teaching children about recycling. These steps are a great marketing tactic to appeal to today’s environmentally aware families and can contribute to long-term cost savings for business operations.
6. A Push for Inclusivity in Childcare
Continuing into 2026, inclusivity is more than a buzzword—it’s an expectation. Families look for daycare centers that welcome children of all abilities, backgrounds, and cultural experiences. Fostering a sense of belonging for every child and family includes hiring staff who are trained in cultural competence, adapting programs for children with special needs, and creating classroom environments that celebrate diverse traditions, languages, and holidays. Franchisees can benefit from streamlined staff training programs, which make it easier for daycare owners to ensure their staff is adequately trained in these essential skills.
7. An Emphasis on Movement-Based Learning
The research is clear: The more time kids spend engaged in screen time or other sedentary activities, the greater the incidence of behavior and attention issues, as well as mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression. Tie these concerns in with the proven benefits of frequent movement for preschoolers—from cognitive function development and social and emotional learning to overall health and school readiness—and it’s clear why there is an increased focus on intentional movement in today’s early learning centers.
At Ducklings, our Shake-a-Tail-Feather® curriculum, spacious indoor gyms, and secure outdoor spaces ensure ample opportunity for movement and active learning.
8. Flexible Care Models and Hybrid Enrollment Options
Recent years have also seen the rising demand for more flexible childcare enrollment options as a result of more inconsistent work schedules, non-traditional job hours, and even last-minute coverage needs. Franchise models that provide standardized care are able to meet the diverse childcare needs of today’s families, with part-time, drop-in, and off-hour enrollment plans available to offer a truly flexible childcare solution.
9. Transparency and Quality Standards in Childcare
In 2026, parents are looking for more than just the basic qualifications as they select a daycare option for their family. Beyond ensuring the appropriate safety protocols are in place, they seek true transparency into a preschool’s curriculum, learning approach and outcomes, and educator credentials.
Ducklings has proudly earned its NAEYC accreditation, considered the gold standard for quality early childhood education. As a licensed daycare provider with proprietary curricula and structured programs based on over 30 years of experience, and educators professionally trained in early childhood learning, we take our stringent quality standards seriously—and expect our families to as well.
Position Your Childcare Business for Success in 2026
The trends driving the childcare industry in 2026 point to one clear conclusion: now is the perfect time to invest. With rising demand for enriching childcare services, daycare owners have the opportunity to build a thriving business that delivers both financial stability and community impact.
Investing in a childcare franchise is the first step to becoming a part of this thriving sector. Our comprehensive support and training resources make it easier than ever for aspiring daycare owners to succeed.
Ready to start your journey? Contact us to learn more about Ducklings Early Learning Center franchises and how you can join this growing industry in 2026.