Kiddie Academy Owners Named IFA Franchisees of the Year

Kiddie Academy, a leading provider of educational child care, has announced that multi-unit franchise owners Preeti and Vic Gulati have been named the International Franchise Association (IFA) 2026 Franchisees of the Year. The Gulatis, who operate three Kiddie Academy locations in the Chicago area, were selected for their excellence in entrepreneurship, community outreach, workforce development, and service to others.

The Gulatis own Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights, Kiddie Academy of Vernon Hills, and Kiddie Academy of Mount Prospect. They have been operating these centers since 2015, expanding their footprint across the greater Chicago area and building a reputation for high-quality early childhood education and care.

"Preeti and Vic have set a standard for operational excellence and community impact. We congratulate them on this well-deserved award and thank them for their continued dedication to Chicago's Kiddie Academy students, educators, and families."

The IFA, the world's oldest and largest organization representing franchising, honored the Gulatis alongside 88 fellow award recipients at the IFA26 Advocacy Summit Luncheon in Washington, D.C., on September 15. The Gulatis were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the franchise system and their commitment to providing exceptional child care services.

Since opening Kiddie Academy of Arlington Heights in 2015, the Gulatis have demonstrated a commitment to excellence and community engagement. They have expanded their operations, creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and families in the Chicago area.

Kiddie Academy, founded in 1981, has been recognized as a leading brand in educational child care. The company serves families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full- and part-time care, before- and after-school care, and summer camp programs. The Kiddie Academy brand's proprietary Life Essentials® Curriculum, supporting programs, methods, activities, and techniques help prepare children for life. The company's philanthropic efforts, including support of national nonprofit Family Promise and multiyear sponsorship of John Hopkins Community Center, take character education lessons learned in the classroom beyond Academy walls.

As of 2026, the Kiddie Academy system includes more than 375 open Academies in 40 states and the District of Columbia, serving over 40,000 children. Each franchised location in the Kiddie Academy system is an independently owned and operated business.