Cooperatives in the childcare sector take shape in a variety of ways depending on ownership. Here are some examples of how childcare cooperatives can be structured:
- Parent-led Childcare Cooperatives are the most common model of childcare cooperatives. This type of cooperative is comprised of parents who have formed a cooperative to provide quality care for their children.
- Childcare Worker Cooperatives are when a group of care providers operates their own childcare center. Through employee ownership, workers benefit from increased wages, decision-making power, and a share in business profits.
- Employer Assisted Cooperatives are used by employers to include childcare as part of their benefits package. By establishing on-site facilities as cooperatives, businesses may provide space, initial financing, and assistance to child care programs, but are able to leave operation and ownership to the employees who use the center.
Learn more about childcare cooperatives and find valuable resources at UW Center for Cooperatives.
