The Cooperative Administration Training empowers childcare workers to become business leaders by managing their own licensed childcare programs. Through this approach, we address the community's dire need for accessible, quality licensed childcare, with the following expected outcomes: 

Increased Access to Quality Licensed Childcare: Expand the availability of quality childcare options for families by training workers to meet licensing and Learn and Grow requirements to successfully manage licensed childcare programs. 

Empowered and Skilled Licensed Childcare Workforce: By equipping the workforce with the knowledge and skills to operate a cooperative business, the program ensures that those providing the service gain agency in their work, ownership of the outcomes, and opportunities for career growth. 

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Workplace Cultures Rooted in Collaboration and Respect: Emphasis on sociocracy governance and Nonviolent Communication (NVC) fosters workplace cultures based on mutual respect and collaboration. This creates a supportive environment for workers and enhances their ability to navigate interpersonal relationships, benefiting interactions among teachers, children, and parents. 

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Economic Equity and Career Advancement: The cooperative business structure enables shared management responsibilities, often resulting in higher wages and better benefits for workers. Additionally, the cooperative administrative trainings will meet Alaska Licensing and SEED training requirements, allowing participants to advance on the AK Early Childhood Career Ladder and increasing the number of workers eligible for the AK Early Childhood Administrator Credential (AK-ECAC). 

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Replicable Models of Worker-Cooperative Childcare: The program provides a model for establishing worker-managed childcare programs throughout the state. As more workers gain the skills and knowledge to create these cooperatives, they can open their own program to meet their community's needs.