On this episode of The Franchise Woman Podcast, Rebecca Monet and co-host Tracy Kawa welcomed Kim Collier, Chief Development Officer of Ducklings Early Learning Center, for a deeply meaningful conversation about childhood development, leadership, entrepreneurship, family business dynamics, and purpose-driven franchising.
Kim’s story is one rooted in resilience, responsibility, and the belief that people are capable of far more than they often realize.
Learning to “Figure It Out”
Growing up in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Kim was raised in a household where both parents worked hard and children were expected to contribute. Chores, home projects, car repairs, and DIY renovations were all part of everyday life. Rather than shielding their children from responsibility, Kim’s parents invited them into the process.
Those experiences helped shape Kim’s philosophy that confidence is built through participation, trust, and problem-solving.
As Kim explained during the interview, when adults invite children to help, they are communicating trust. That trust becomes empowering. Children begin to believe they are capable, resourceful, and able to solve problems on their own.
That mindset eventually became foundational not only to Kim’s leadership style, but also to the educational philosophy behind Ducklings Early Learning Center.
Why Messy Childhoods Matter
One of the most impactful parts of the conversation centered around modern parenting and the developmental importance of sensory play.
Kim discussed how many children who stayed home during COVID struggled with sensory integration, independence, and social interaction when they eventually entered childcare settings. Some children had rarely handled messy materials, fed themselves independently, or experienced unstructured play.
At Ducklings, however, children are encouraged to explore through hands-on learning, sensory activities, social interaction, and even mess-making.
Whether it’s paint, sand tables, Play-Doh, or cleaning up spilled rice, Kim believes these moments are critical developmental experiences that teach problem-solving, responsibility, teamwork, and confidence.
The conversation highlighted a broader societal shift toward overprotection and “bubble wrapping” children — something Rebecca and Kim both agreed can unintentionally limit independence and resilience.
Instead, Kim encourages allowing children to experiment, fail, explore, and learn naturally through real-world experiences.
The Origin Story Behind Ducklings
Ducklings Early Learning Center began with a community need.
In the early 1990s, Kim’s mother directed a YMCA childcare program that unexpectedly closed, leaving 40 families without childcare options in a rural Pennsylvania community. Rather than accepting the loss, Kim’s mother decided to create a solution herself.
Using funds borrowed from Kim’s father’s 401(k), the family launched the first Ducklings Early Learning Center in 1994. Kim later joined the business after the birth of her oldest child, and over time the company expanded to four successful schools.
Eventually, demand outpaced the company’s ability to grow organically.
Families wanted Ducklings in additional communities, and Kim realized franchising could provide the solution.
Despite having no prior franchising experience, Kim embraced the challenge with the same “figure it out” mentality she learned as a child.
Today, Ducklings is preparing to open its 22nd location.
Building a Purpose-Driven Franchise Brand
Kim described Ducklings as a purpose-driven business that balances education, community, and entrepreneurship.
The company looks for franchise owners who possess both “a mind for business and a heart for education.”
This balance is essential because many educators naturally prioritize service over profitability. Kim acknowledged that some franchise owners initially struggle with the idea of making money in a caregiving profession.
Her perspective is refreshingly direct:
“It’s my job to make sure that you make money. What you do with it is up to you.”
Kim explained that profitability allows franchisees to create scholarships, invest in facilities, support staff, and ultimately expand their impact within the community. A financially healthy business creates more opportunities to serve others.
The Power of Community
Beyond education, Ducklings places a strong emphasis on community connection.
Kim described childcare centers as foundational community hubs where parents find support, encouragement, friendship, and guidance during one of life’s most challenging transitions: parenthood.
Through events like Muffins with Mom, Donuts with Dad, graduations, and community outreach programs, Ducklings intentionally creates opportunities for families to build relationships.
The organization also supports charitable initiatives including Ronald McDonald House and Alex’s Lemonade Stand, encouraging children and families to participate in giving back together.
Kim shared that many friendships formed through Ducklings have lasted decades — a testament to the long-term impact strong community environments can create.
Family Business and Honest Leadership
Another standout part of the conversation was Kim’s discussion about working alongside her mother and sisters in business.
Rather than avoiding conflict, Kim believes the family’s success comes from their ability to communicate honestly and challenge each other openly when necessary.
Kim explained that because they share the same mission and values, disagreements are never personal — they are simply part of building the best possible experience for families, staff, children, and franchisees.
Rebecca noted how refreshing it was to hear women openly discuss healthy conflict, especially in leadership environments where many people avoid difficult conversations altogether.
Leading with Heart and Strength
By the end of the episode, one thing became abundantly clear: Kim Collier leads with both heart and business intelligence.
Her passion for children, education, community, and franchisee success is deeply woven into the culture of Ducklings Early Learning Center. At the same time, she understands that strong systems, profitability, accountability, and leadership are necessary for long-term impact.
It is that balance between compassion and business acumen that continues to drive Ducklings’ success and expansion.
As Tracy Kawa beautifully summarized at the close of the episode, Kim leads with heart while also demonstrating incredible sharpness as a businesswoman — a combination that makes her both inspiring and highly effective.