KING OF PRUSSIA, PA — Goddard Systems franchisee Dave Collins was named a 2026 Franchisee of the Year by the International Franchise Association, extending his recognition beyond the early-childhood education chain after he was previously honored within the Goddard system.
Collins owns The Goddard Schools in Edgewater and Eldersburg, Maryland, two of more than 680 locations in The Goddard School franchise system. Goddard Systems LLC nominated him for the IFA award.
He is scheduled to be honored at the IFA Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.
The association’s Franchisee of the Year awards recognize franchise owners for factors including community involvement, workforce development, support for other franchisees and entrepreneurial performance.
Collins also participates in Goddard’s Operations Excellence Input Group and school mentorship program, where he reviews proposed initiatives and provides feedback on operating practices across the franchise system.
His work has included input on changes to the school-tour and enrollment process, according to Goddard Systems.
“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,” Collins said.
Earlier this year, Goddard Systems named Collins its own 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Both of his schools were also designated 2026 Circle of Excellence members, an internal recognition for top-performing locations in the system.
Goddard Systems Chief Executive Officer Darin Harris said Collins has contributed to the broader franchise network through mentoring and operational feedback.
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