The Shared Services Network
By Early Childhood Alliance
Operating a childcare business is about to get easier
Owning a childcare business can be stressful.
Program marketing, keeping steady enrollment numbers, purchasing supplies, the list goes on…
Let’s not forget the most important part of your day: teaching the quickly developing minds of the young children in your care. Let’s face it, finding time to strategically enhance your business and meet your professional development goals can be a real struggle!
Don’t worry – the ECA Shared Services Network is here to help!
Services that grow with you...
Tier 1 - Networking
Indiana Early Learning Hub
- A resource website connecting childcare providers with
- a variety of businesses
- classroom resources
- policy and procedure templates
- All the benefits of a job board
- Docs-by-Phone
- Training resources
- Connection to state partners
Bright by Text
- Provides content from trusted experts to support the “whole child, whole family” approach to early childhood by sending text messages that share:
- Helpful tips, info, and activities on physical and mental health,
- Social-emotional wellbeing, safety, brain development, connections, encouragement, and more
Networking Opportunities
- Receive updates on upcoming training and funding opportunities
- Professional development opportunities and innovations in childcare
- Stay connected with other local programs through monthly cohort meetings
- Connection to state and local partners in the field
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Get connected to available sponsors for consultations regarding nutrition for your program and assist in diversifying funding to support your program
Tier 2 - Building
All of Tier 1, plus…
Coaching and Support
- Up to 4 hours per month connecting with an early childhood professional for help with general program support, setting program goals, virtually or by phone based on individual needs
Business Coaching
- In partnership with Civitas Strategies Early Start, providers will have access to coaches that provide essential support for childcare businesses and that work with childcare providers to increase revenue and decrease costs
- Tax education
- Securing federal relief funding
- Budgeting and monitoring cash flow
- Marketing strategies
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
- Menu planning with recipes
- Computer tools for
- tracking and documenting meals
- grocery lists
- More hands-on assistance
Child Care Mgmt System (CMS)
- Early Learning Ventures (ELV), a proven software platform which offers child care providers support through their licensing-compliant online childcare management system, Alliance CORE
- Services include, but not limited to:
- Online enrollment
- Attendance tracking
- Billing assistance
- Staff and child reminders through apps and two-way communication with families
- Data analyzation to support the implementation of Child Care Management System
Application Process
What is the Shared Services Network?
The ECA Shared Services Network is designed to help your program increase enrollment, reduce your administrative task list, and grow your business through the help of tools and coaching. Once you become a member you will be able to choose what tier you are most interested in, networking or building your program or both.
Benefits include:
Tier 1:Networking
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Tier 2:BuildingIncludes all of Tier 1, PLUS…
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Indiana Early Learning Hub |
Coaching and Support |
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Networking Opportunities |
Business Coaching |
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Bright by Text |
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) |
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Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) |
Child Care Management System (CMS) |
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What will my commitment be?
Your commitment will depend on the tier of service you choose.
Both tiers require…
- Completion of application
- Sign an MOA (Memorandum of Agreement) annually, outlining both parties’ responsibilities and commitments
Tier 2, after signing the MOA, also requires…
- Be receptive to changes designed to help you grow your business
- Complete onboarding within the first 90 days
- Commit up to 10 hours of your first month for onboarding and training
- Attend quarterly network meetings
What do I have to pay?
Thanks to generous funders, Early Childhood Alliance is able to offer these services for significantly less than it costs to administer them.
Provider Type |
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
| Home | $157 | $600 |
| Facility (Center/School/Ministry) 0-30 children |
$177 | $622 |
| Facility – 31-60 children | $177 | $868 |
| Facility – 61+ children | $177 | $1,218 |
- Pricing is based on the licensed/registered capacity per program.
- Multi-site discounts are available.
What are the qualifications?
You must:
- Be licensed/certified/registered or in the process of becoming so
- Have access to a computer or mobile device
Do you have to use technology to participate?
Yes, you must commit to using the software, which will require a computer or mobile device. But don’t worry, you’ll have a dedicated support team to help you out every step of the way.
How often do you have to meet?
Tier 1 |
Tier 2 |
| We encourage members to participate in their local learning community/director’s roundtable meetings. | There will be a monthly check-in with your ECA supports and quarterly network meetings. Our goal is to help you take advantage of the benefits and meet your goals. We want to save you time, so you have more of it with the children. |
When can I join?
We are holding free virtual information sessions in November. Sign up here.
In Partnership With
