New childcare center to open in Cary, serve babies to tweens

The Fort Worth, Texas-based program already has locations in Waxhaw, Matthews and Indian Trail near Charlotte. The program serves kids ages 6 months to 12 years and operates year-round from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., weekdays.

The center will offer childcare and a private kindergarten for young children during traditional school hours, along with after-school programs, summer camps and transportation to and from area elementary schools for older kids. Most Children's Lighthouse Learning Centers include 10,500-square-feet of classroom space, playgrounds, on-site meal service and other amenities, according to the website.

Here's what a press release says about the program: "With experienced educational childcare professionals guiding the company’s operations, Children’s Lighthouse has embedded award-winning curriculums into its programming, designed to teach young children reading, math, and science as well as character values. The curriculum also incorporates elements of fun and entertainment to keep kids engaged at all times."

Raja Davidarulappan, a local entrepreneur, left the telecommunications field to open the franchise in Cary. He earned his master's degree in English Literature from Madras Christian College in India and then moved to the United States to be with his wife Kanni and daughter Venmathy, the release said.

Education has been important for his family. Davidarulappan also earned a master's degree in computer science from Middle Tennessee State University. His wife holds a master's degree in nursing from Vanderbilt University. His daughter earned her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.

The Cary location is one of 20 new Lighthouse Learning Centers that are in development or under construction. Forty already are in operation. The business launched 18 years ago.

The center will be at 7420 McCrimmon Parkway, Cary.