Jody Thompson, the visionary founder of Ducklings Early Learning Center, has dedicated over three decades to nurturing young minds. Her journey began in the late 1980s as a preschool teacher and evolved as she returned to college as a working mother to major in child psychology. Identifying a gap in daycare services, Jody innovated a curriculum that integrated educational components into daily childcare, transforming the landscape from mere babysitting to enriched and inclusive early learning experiences.

In 1994, she established the first Ducklings Early Learning Center, laying the foundation for what would become a thriving family mission. Joined by her daughters, who progressed from teacher’s aides to leaders within the organization, Jody has cultivated a true family enterprise. Under her guidance, Ducklings has grown to over a dozen centers, each embodying the core values of collaboration, creation, and celebration, deeply rooted in professional integrity and respect for families.

Today, Ducklings is recognized as a leader in educational childcare, and through expanding franchise opportunities, Jody’s vision is set to reach and enrich even more communities across the country.