The Shared Services Network

By Early Childhood Alliance
Operating a childcare business is about to get easier

Applications Opening Soon

Winter 2022-23 for Centers, Child Care Homes, Ministries, and Schools.

Register for a free virtual information session using the button to the right.

    • 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!

    Membership includes numerous benefits through a network of professionals.

    Access to vendor discounts, CACFP-approved menus with recipes, business coaching, sample staffing and business policies, to name a few.

    Increase Your Revenue

    • Receive access to a user-friendly childcare management system that will help you to stay fully enrolled with online enrollment and waitlist management
    • Lower food and supply cost through bulk purchasing
    • Maximize CACFP reimbursements with menu planning

    Save Time

    • Spend less time on paperwork and more time on the children and families you serve
    • Run invoices and collect online tuition payments
    • Simplify bookkeeping through a full-range of accounting tools
    • Manage payroll and schedules
    • Record child attendance

    Grow Your Business

    Receive coaching and technical assistance through ECA and partners to help you meet your professional development goals

    ...and much more

    • Application Process

    Opening Soon, see below

    Applications Opening Soon

    Winter 2022-23 for Centers, Child Care Homes, Ministries, and Schools.

    Register for a free virtual information session using the button to the right.

    Step 1

    Apply Online

    Fill out a simple application that will help us learn more about you and your program.

    Step 2

    We'll Connect With You

    When the time is right, we’ll reach out to you at the location and method you specify.

    Step 3

    Pay Membership Fee

    We’ll send you a link to collect payment when its time.

    Frequently asked questions

    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

     

    Tier 2:

    Building

    Includes all of Tier 1, PLUS…

     
    Indiana Early Learning Hub
    Coaching and Support
    • Access to a resource website that connects childcare providers with a variety of businesses, classroom resources, editable policies, and procedures
    • Share all the benefits of a job board
    • Docs-by-Phone
    • Training resources
    • Connection to state partners
    • 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
    Networking Opportunities
    Business Coaching
    • 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
    • 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
    Bright by Text
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
    • 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
    • Programs will have access to menu planning with recipes
    • Computer tools for tracking and documenting meals as well as grocery lists
    • More hands-on assistance
    Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
    Child Care Management System (CMS)
    • Get connected to available sponsors for consultations regarding nutrition for your program and assist in diversifying funding to support your program
    • 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
    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?

    Fee structures for all types of programs will vary and are coming soon.

    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

    Women's Entrepreneurial Opportunity Center Logo
    IN Early Learning Hub Logo
    Early Learning Ventures Logo
    Early Learning Indiana Logo