Children's Lighthouse Comes to Woodbridge

You probably wouldn't expect a young attorney to be opening the first franchise in New Jersey of a childcare center in . But then, you probably don't know Ankim Shah. 

It was two years ago that Shah, 33, was introduced by some clients to the principals who own the Children's Lighthouse Learning Center, a successful childcare franchise that sprung up in Texas and grew to have a substantial presence in southern states. 

They were looking to expand their centers to the Northeast, and called upon Shah to find them someone who would be a good prospect.

Shah, who lives in Edison and has a law firm in Iselin's Metropark, was impressed by the childcare centers and their curriculum.

"They wanted me to recommend someone to start a franchise in New Jersey," Shah said. "After a year of finding the appropriate first franchisee in the area, I said, why don't I just do it myself?"

That dream is rapidly turning into a reality. The building for the Children's Lighthouse is on upper Main Street on the site of the old High Hill Garage that was demolished last June.

"It's in the center of town. It's a perfect spot for a childcare center," said Shah, who noted the building is part of the township's redevelopment of the upper Main Street artery.

The center is planning a grand opening sometime in May. The building is located right next to the r, an excellent spot for when parents come to pick up their younger children at the Lighthouse.

"They can pick up their older kids at the community center at the same time," Shah said.

The Children's Lighthouse caters to children from as young as six weeks of age to 12 years old, Shah said. The center's occupancy limit at any one time is 190 children.

They're open 12 hours a day, from 6:30 am to 7 pm, for parents who need that type of coverage for their children. But it's not warehousing; the Children's Lighthouse has a unique program that engages children and gives them the best learning tools, Shah said.

The Lighthouse follows the A Beka curriculum, one that has worked well for children in the company's childcare centers.

"Children coming out of kindergarten are reading at a first grade level," Shah said. "They are almost always a year ahead [in reading in other grades, too."

The A Beka system is for children from 3 years to age to 12, he said. There are age appropriate activities for younger children as well. They also offer a full time kindergarten, he said.

The center is unique in other ways. Parents who want to visit with their children can monitor them anytime during the time they're at the Lighthouse by logging into a website that shows each classroom to one of several cameras in the 10,000 sq. ft. building, or those outside in the 5,000 sq. ft. outdoor play area.

"We have 29 cameras throughout the building and on the playground. If your child is in the 2 year old room, you log in and you can see your child's classroom. You also have access to the playground through that camera," Shah said.

"It's one of those security and safety measures we take, but it's also a way for parents to feel connected to the kids. It also keeps our teachers honest as well."

Unlike some other childcare centers, Lighthouse doesn't charge extra for children who stay late. They are given a hot lunch and two snacks per day, which is included in the tuition.

Shah has made efforts to get involved in the community by connecting to "pediatricians, dentists, karate schools, anywhere connected to children. We are trying to build relationships in town." 

It seems to be working. Shah said that pre-enrollments are doing well.

"We're ready. We got all of our equipment in place. We're ready to go," Shah said.

For more information on Children's Lighthouse or for a tour, call them at 732-218-8981