Find out how ICA can support your child care business
Many child care business owners expect to one day sell their business to a family member, employee, or an outside buyer. But finding a single buyer with the resources, skills, and vision to carry the business forward is not an easy feat. Creating an employee-owned cooperative by selling the business to workers offers another path—one that helps owners meet their financial goals while providing lasting benefits for workers, families, and communities.
secure the legacy they’ve built, exit on their timeline, and receive a fair return from the sale of the business
retain jobs, build wealth through equity in the business, and gain a seat at the decision-making table
are reassured that their chosen child care provider is not going to change its staff, values, or quality of care
retain jobs, build wealth through equity in the business, and gain a seat at the decision-making table
Employee-owned since 1988, this multi-site business now serves over 200 families. Childspace enjoys half the staff turnover of other child care businesses, and staff earn more than the industry average.
See our resources on worker cooperatives in the child care industry
In addition to maximizing profit, many exiting home care business owners want to preserve their legacy and ensure their business continues serving the community long after they sell. Selling to employees can achieve these goals while improving recruitment & retention, increasing staff compensation, and engagement in the business. ICA is a national leader in employee ownership transfers. Contact us to receive a free consultation and explore whether a conversion to employee ownership is right for you and your business.
ICA consultants offer support to 50 child care businesses every year. We partner with owners and employees to guide the process of transitioning to employee ownership by:
The ICA Group is working to make it easier and more profitable to operate family child care homes. We are creating purchasing cooperatives that offer shared services and resources that meet local needs. Through cooperatives, family child care businesses can maintain independence while lowering operating costs and raising profits.
CoRise Cooperative is building a provider-led network to ease providers’ administrative load and reduce other business-related burdens, while lowering their costs, and creating access to new forms of revenue for greater financial security.
Family child care providers in Chicago and Springfield, IL met to co-design digital tools for family child care providers.
The Family Child Care Coalition opens doors for family child care providers by offering unique professional development opportunities and sharing evidence-based practices to provide excellent care and elevate the family child care industry.
Video Profile: Laverne Cheeseboro from the Family Child Care Coalition shares why she’s working to build a network of support for family providers in Philadelphia.
The Rose Garden transitioned to employee ownership in 2017 and five of seven employees now own the business. Employee-owners serve on the board, set organizational policy, and participate in community events to help grow the business.
See our resources on worker cooperatives in the child care industry
Have questions about employee ownership or cooperative development? Whether you're exploring a business transition, starting a new cooperative, or seeking tailored solutions to strengthen your industry, our team is here to help. Let us guide you toward a more equitable and resilient future for your business and community.