Sept 30 (Reuters) - KinderCare Learning Companies, a

provider of early childhood education, set a target of up to

$3.09 billion valuation on Monday for its long-sought U.S.

initial public offering.

The 55-year-old company, backed by Swiss private equity firm

Partners Group, is moving towards a listing after

previously pursuing it in 2021.

KinderCare is aiming to raise up to $648 million by offering

24 million shares at a price range of $23 and $27 each.

The company, whose brands include KCLC, Crème

School, and Champions, serves children ranging from six weeks to

12 years of age.

The IPO would be among the first major moves under CEO

Paul Thompson, who took over the mantle in June after Tom

Wyatt's 12-year stint.

In 2015, Partners Group acquired KinderCare and will

remain the controlling shareholder with a 71.1% stake after the

IPO.

Lake Oswego, Oregon-based KinderCare was initially

slated to go public in late 2021, when it sought to raise up to

$541.3 million at a $2.96 billion valuation.

But the listing was postponed with KinderCare citing

"regulatory delays." Last year, the company abandoned its IPO

plans.

KinderCare, whose rivals include Bright Horizons

, Kiddie Academy, and Primrose Schools, opened the first

facility in 1969. Since then, it has grown to over 2,000

locations in the United States.

In 2022, KinderCare acquired premium child-care and

early learning provider Crème School.

The IPO proceeds will be mainly used to cut debt, the

company said in a regulatory filing.

The offering is being underwritten by more than 10 Wall

Street banks, led by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Barclays,

and J.P. Morgan.

KinderCare will list on the New York Stock Exchange under

the symbol "KLC."