Finding and financing the right childcare is a balancing act for most parents. The cooperative structure can be the perfect solution and they can be organized in a number of ways:
Parent-led Childcare Cooperatives: Parents are attracted to this model because it offers high quality, affordable early education to their children.
Childcare Worker Cooperatives are owned by the care providers themselves. This model enables the workers to gain steady employment and income, participate in management and share in the business profits.
Employer Assisted Cooperatives: Businesses offer on or near the worksite childcare. While business may offer space, utilities, financing and other resources, the parents control the ownership and operation of the cooperative.
Babysitting Co-ops
These co-ops are often less formal and may be relatively short term in duration. This model allows parents to exchange baby-sitting services to enjoy a night out or business travel.
