The Story Behind The Childcare Collective
Your Biggest Problem
Can Become Your Greatest Purpose
Meet Kettia Ming
Hello friends, my name is Kettia Ming. Twenty years ago, I was a working mom facing an impossible situation: no quality childcare options for my baby in New York City. The waitlists were endless, the quality was questionable, and the costs were astronomical.
So I did what any determined parent would do—I got licensed and started a daycare in my basement.
What I didn't expect was that solving my own problem would become my life's work.
From Basement Daycare to
Multi-Million Dollar Sale
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Started with 6 children in my basement. No business plan, no formal training—just pure determination and love for children. I made every mistake in the book.
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Expanded to my first commercial location. Struggled with staff turnover, difficult parents, and regulatory challenges. Nearly gave up multiple times.
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Developed the operational and marketing systems that changed everything. Enrollment became predictable. Staff started staying. Parents became advocates.
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Sold two locations to Bright Horizons for a life-changing amount. Realized I had built something truly valuable.
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Opened two new premium locations using my proven systems. Both achieved waitlists within 6 months.
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Sold remaining centers to KinderCare. Became one of the few childcare entrepreneurs to successfully exit twice.
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Launched what would become The Childcare Collective to share everything I learned with fellow childcare owners.
Why I Built
The Childcare Collective
I've been where you are – let me show you the shortcuts.
A few years after my second sale, I met up with a friend who was thinking about starting her own daycare. As she asked me question after question, I realized something that broke my heart:
She was facing the exact same struggles I had twenty years earlier.
Here was this phenomenal educator who genuinely loved working with children, but she was completely lost on the business side. She didn't know how to:
Set profitable rates that attracted quality families
Navigate the licensing maze efficiently
Build systems that prevented staff turnover
Handle difficult parent situations professionally
Create marketing that actually filled spots
She felt overwhelmed, uncertain, and completely alone.
That conversation was my wake-up call.
I realized I had a responsibility to share what I'd learned. All those years of building systems, all those hard-won lessons, all those "if only someone had told me" moments—they couldn't just stay with me.
Our Mission:
No Childcare Owner Should Struggle Alone
The Childcare Collective was born from a simple belief: every childcare owner deserves access to proven systems, supportive community, and expert guidance.
We're not just another training company. We're a movement of childcare owners who believe in:
Community over competition - We succeed together
Practical systems over theory - Everything we teach has been tested in real centers
Long-term relationships over quick fixes - We're here for your entire journey
Inclusivity over exclusivity - From home daycares to multi-center operations, all are welcome
What Makes Us Different
Why The Childcare Collective is Unlike Anything Else
Founded by Someone Who Actually Did It
I didn't just run one daycare—I built, scaled, and successfully sold multiple centers. I'm the only childcare business coach who can show you the complete journey from startup to sale because I've walked every step.
Systems That Actually Work
Everything we teach has been tested in real childcare centers. These aren't theories—they're proven systems that generated millions in revenue and successful exits.
Building a True Ecosystem,
Not Just Another Forum
We’re building a true ecosystem—not selling courses—that gives back. Through our TCC micro grant program, we’re directing real funding to childcare owners who need support to grow, especially when traditional options fall short. This is about meaningful financial support that creates real change.
Supporting the Complete Journey
Whether you're licensing your first center or preparing for acquisition, we have the systems and support for every stage of your childcare business journey.
Who This Is For
Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this is your space to grow. The Childcare Collective is for you if:
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Getting licensed and want to avoid costly mistakes
Looking for proven systems to start strong
Need a roadmap from someone who's done it successfully
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Struggling with staff turnover and want retention strategies that work
Tired of feast-or-famine enrollment cycles
Ready to build systems that let your business run without you
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Managing multiple locations or considering expansion
Want to maximize profitability and operational efficiency
Thinking about a future exit strategy
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Feeling isolated in your challenges
Wanting connection with others who truly understand
Ready for community support and expert guidance