Early Childhood Business Collaborative
Purpose
The mission of the Early Childhood Business Collaborative group is to deliver Shared Services to early care and education providers in Vermont to support the sustainability of the member businesses by identifying needs, leveraging resources, and sharing expertise with the goal of providing high quality services for families.
What we’ve done
ECBC’s collaborative of programs, which started in Chittenden County in 2019, has worked together to hire a coordinator, secure discounts, organize shared professional development, establish a shared substitute pool, and provide affordable benefits to child care staff. By working together, ECBC saves both time and money so members can focus on the work that really matters– supporting child care teachers, families, and children.
Member Benefits
Early Childhood Business Collaborative members have access to a wide range of programs, services, and discounts to support your child care business and your employees. We continue to add new benefits and members can recommend additional services and discounts they would like to see added.
Group rates with InvestEAP
Invest EAP is a Vermont-based public and private non-profit collaborative that has offered comprehensive Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services since 1986. Their EAP provides short-term counseling and referral, management consultation, wellness workshops and resource information.
Access to shared subs
Enrollment in the sub pool gives you access to vetted, fully trained substitutes who are ready to work in your program. Subs come with a complete employee file and have received all required trainings. Posting jobs and schedule subs using our innovative web-based technology will save you time!
Discounts
Discounts on the services that you use will provide savings and support your small business and benefits to employees. Negotiated rates and discounts on things like compost pick-up, Seed & Sew, payroll services, HR consultation, employee benefit packages, and more.
Professional Development
Members have access to free and discounted professional development opportunities as well as priority enrollment and members-only trainings.
Director Resources
Shared services members can access templates, documents, and guidance to support their work. Members also have access to supports and resources (such as HR and employee benefit management) to enhance programs’ success and sustainability as a small business.
Support for Emerging Issues
Shared Services is a collaborative, led by a steering committee and driven by member participation. New benefits and supports can be requested and members are kept informed through regular newsletters and membership meetings.
How much could you save?
With all the member discounts and special rates, membership quickly pays for itself. Here is an example of the savings for a medium-sized program accessing some of our most popular services and discounts.
| Annual Savings | |
| InvestEAP! Employee Assistance Program (discounted group rate vs higher flat fee) | $640 |
| Monthly professional development (offered free to member programs) | $480 |
| Annual Conference (member pricing) | $360 |
| Benefits support with Affiliated Associates (50% off initial consultation, 20-30% discount on services) | $1,000 |
| HR support from HR Acquired (access to individualized HR supports) | $90 |
| PayData Payroll Discount (20% discount) | $365 |
| S.E.E.D. Certification with Seed & Sew (member rate regardless of program size) | $400 |
| Total | $3,335 |
This estimate represents just some of the most popular discounts and services. The more services you access, the more you could save!
Who we are
Want more information from programs already enrolled? Have questions for the coordinator?
Connect with one of the founding members or the regional coordinator to find out more. Just click on their name to send an email.
Julie Brigante
Early Years Child Development Center
Kara von Behren
Williston Enrichment Center
Trish Scharf
Children Unlimited
Laurel Morin
EJ’s Kids Klub
Christina Goodwin
Pine Forest Children’s Center
Beth Workman
Robin’s Nest
Need help finding the best care for your child? Call a Referral Specialist today! 802.863.3367