Tell Congress: Stop Private Equity From Endangering Kids

Parents trust daycare centers to keep their children safe. But a shocking new congressional investigation found that two major private equity-backed childcare chains had roughly twice the rate of serious safety violations as other for-profit providers. Parents pay these companies to protect their children. Congress needs to find out whether Wall Street's pursuit of profits is putting them in danger.

According to a November 13 Washington Post investigation, KinderCare and Learning Care Group had approximately twice the rate of complaints and high-risk safety citations as other for-profit childcare chains in three states.

The reported problems include inadequate supervision, unsafe sleeping conditions, and other dangerous hazards. A moment of neglect can have devastating consequences for a baby or toddler. And parents paying thousands of dollars for childcare deserve to know their children are safe.

Tell Congress: Continue investigating private equity-backed daycare chains, compel them to turn over their records, and advance legislation protecting children from corporate misconduct.

Senator Jeff Merkley launched an investigation into these childcare giants and their private equity owners earlier this year. But according to the Washington Post, the companies provided little of the information investigators requested. Congress still lacks critical records needed to determine whether corporate decisions contributed to these safety problems.

Congress must not let the investigation stall. Lawmakers must continue Merkley's work, subpoena missing financial and safety records if necessary, and require corporate executives to answer questions under oath.

And investigation alone isn't enough. Congress should advance legislation like the Protecting Childcare from Private Equity Act to increase transparency, restrict harmful financial practices, and strengthen safeguards against putting investor profits ahead of children.

With a new congressional majority taking office in January, lawmakers have an opportunity to turn these alarming findings into meaningful accountability. Families deserve safe, affordable childcare — not corporations that can evade scrutiny while receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies.

No parent should have to choose between earning a paycheck and keeping their child safe.

Add your name: Demand that Congress finish the investigation, force childcare corporations to cooperate, and pass stronger protections before more children are put at risk.

The petition to Congress reads:

“Continue investigating safety failures at private equity-backed childcare chains, including KinderCare and Learning Care Group. Compel compliance with congressional requests through subpoenas and sworn testimony where necessary, and advance legislation like the Protecting Childcare from Private Equity Act to increase transparency, hold corporations accountable, and protect children's safety.”