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SHARED SERVICES ALLIANCEteach with children

The Shared Services Alliance is designed to work in partnership with licensed Early Child Care Programs in Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties) to offer the services needed to help you grow your businesses, achieve financial stability, enhance your knowledge and education, all while providing time to focus on quality of care and most important... the Children.

The Shared Services Alliance aims to provide a comprehensive service approach, which includes access to a wide range of programs and resources without limitations. 

Furthermore, whenever you require assistance, you can contact us, and we will take the responsibility of connecting you with suitable resources, thereby saving you the time and stress of searching for them yourself.

 

 

 

 

 

SSA Program DetailsLearn More
Member LoginLearn More
Substitute Care ServicesLearn More
Frequently Asked QuestionsLearn More
Shared Services Alliance - Apply Now
Complete the Membership Application TODAY!
 
 

Shared Services Alliance Program Details

The Shared Services Alliance is here to support you. Our aim is to empower you with resources and assistance, enabling you to thrive in your childcare endeavors.

S E R V I C E S
Include but are not limited to:

 

 

Training/Professional Development
Access to a range of training and professional development opportunities tailored to meet your specific needs.
Business Software
Utilize industry-leading software solutions: ProCare and Parachute by KidKare, with ongoing support and training provided.
Business Support
Receive assistance with budgeting, bookkeeping, contract and policy development, as well as website development to enhance your business operations.
Program Support
Benefit from coaching, mentoring, and substitute care services to ensure smooth program operation.
Consultation
Access on-site or virtual consultations for child care triage, mental health support, and reflective consultation sessions to enhance your practice.

B E N E F I T S

First-Year Participation Free
Get started with the SSA with no initial cost for the first year, allowing you to experience the benefits firsthand without financial commitment.
Cost Savings
Many of our services are provided at a reduced cost or even free of charge to program participants, helping you save on expenses.
More Time for What Matters
By availing of our services, you'll have more time to invest in the children under your care, fostering their growth and development.

 

Your Commitment to Success

All we ask is that you:

HAVE CONTINUOUS, OPEN COMMUNICATION WITH THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
PARTICIPATE IN VIRTUAL NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES WITH OTHER SSA MEMBERS

 

Complete the Membership Application Today and let the Shared Services Alliance Program be your partner in success, supporting you every step of the way in your child care journey.

 

 

 

 

Substitute Care Services

Substitute Care Services is available to assist you.
Our aim is to provide our members with an additional level of support by offering substitute care and on-site assistance. This will enable you to accomplish your daily tasks and goals more efficiently throughout the day. By utilizing these services, you can save time, alleviate stress, and enjoy more freedom in your evenings. 

 

SUBSTITUTE CARE
Our primary goal with the Substitute Care Services is to alleviate the strain on programs by offering essential assistance, thereby minimizing burnout and reducing stress associated with unavoidable absences such as doctor appointments, family events, or personal time. We understand the challenges faced in maintaining consistency and quality care, and our services are designed to provide the support your need.


ON-SITE ASSISTANT
Our onsite-assistant services offer a valuable solution for those moments when you need to step away during onsite mentoring sessions or other obligations. We understand the importance of compliance with licensing regulations and ensure that our assistance allows you to fulfill your responsibilities without compromising quality or regulatory standards.

Interested in learning more about this program? Contact us for more information. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have questions? We are here to provide you with answers!
We are pleased to hear that you would like to know more about the Shared Services Alliance at Milestones and how it can benefit your child care program. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) below for your convenience. If you have any further questions, feel free to let us know.

The Shared Services Alliance (SSA) at Milestones offers FREE and low-cost services to support Licensed Family Child Care programs throughout Region 7W (Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties).

The Shared Services Alliance aims to provide a comprehensive service approach, which includes access to a wide range of programs and resources without limitations.

Furthermore, whenever you require assistance, you can contact us, and we will take the responsibility of connecting you with suitable resources, thereby saving you the time and stress of searching for them yourself. And providing time to focus on the quality of care and most important... the children

MEMBERSHIP: For the first year, membership is free, giving you an opportunity to experience the benefits first hand. In the future, membership fees may be implemented, depending on available funding.

 
SERVICES: Many of our services are provided FREE or a reduced cost to program participants. 

Members must:

  • Be located in Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, or Wright County.
  • Be a licensed family child care provider.
  • Have access to a computer or mobile device.
  • Agree to participate in the program for at least a year.
  • Actively Participate in the SSA; Communicate with the SSA Coordinator regularly, Use Child Care Management Software, and Participate in Virtual Networking opportunities with other Members. 

After you submit your membership application, the SSA coordinator will get in touch with you via email to arrange a brief intake meeting. During this meeting, we'll gather more information about you, your program, and the objectives you'd like to achieve. This will enable us to connect you with the appropriate resources and services to help you meet your goals.


Once you're enrolled, you'll have access to a range of resources and services that cater to your needs. Additionally, you'll receive an invitation to attend networking events and have access to the Member Login on the Shared Services Alliance Website.

The Shared Services Alliance has set long-term goals to provide support to family child care programs in Region 7W
(Benton, Sherburne, Stearns, and Wright Counties). Thanks to generous community, local, and state funding, the Shared Services Alliance is committed to being a reliable partner for the foreseeable future.
Once enrolled in the program, you can participate for as long as you wish, but we ask that you commit to at least one year.

This question has two possible answers. 


Firstly, if you are not currently using a software program, you must commit to using a software program for the first year. We will provide full support for onboarding and implementation. 


Secondly, if you are currently using a software program, you are not required to switch to a different one. The purpose of offering FREE software for a year is to help you experience automation and its numerous benefits.

You may be asked to meet with the SSA Coordinator once a month and participate in virtual networking sessions with other members. These meetings should not take more than 2 hours per month. 

You may be asked to meet with the SSA Coordinator once a month. However, you are encouraged to connect with the Coordinator as often as you feel necessary to have your needs met. The overall success of the program and your participation relies on continuous and open communication. 

Absolutley Not! 


Participation in and usage of all services offered is not mandatory. We understand the unique needs of each program therefore, you can choose the services and resources that best suit your program's needs.

Absolutley! 


The Shared Services Alliance is committed to continuously seeking out new ideas and resources to meet the needs of family child care programs in our area. As a member, you will be notified when new programs and services become available.

Shared Services Alliance Member Access

Interested in becoming a member of the Shared Services Alliance? Complete the Membership Application Today!

Shared Services Alliance Coordinator
Devon Amundson
Shared Services Alliance Coordinator
Staff Image: Devon Amundson
Funded in partnership with the MN Dept. of Human Services, United Way of Central MN, Laura Jane Musser Foundation, and the Initiative Foundation.