One Year In: EO Shared Services Alliance Reduces Costs and Administrative Burdens for Childcare Provider

One year after its launch, the EO Shared Services Alliance (EOSSA) is already transforming operations for childcare providers in Southwest Virginia. Since January 2024, EOSSA staff have delivered more than 220 hours of direct support to 54 childcare providers across Southwest Virginia.

“Both the perspectives of the EO Shared Services Alliance staff and access to childcare management software have been the biggest asset to us in starting our business,” shared Hannah Lindsey, owner of the Bradley Street Playschool.

By reducing administrative burdens, cutting costs, and freeing up valuable time, EOSSA is strengthening the region’s childcare system.

“Our region is blessed with talented educators who are juggling the demands of running a business, attracting qualified staff, and caring for our littlest learners,” said Lindsey Holderfield, EO’s Director of the Shared Services Alliance.

EOSSA alleviates many of those administrative burdens, enabling providers to focus on what matters most—supporting children and families. To date, time spent on comprehensive support by EO staff includes human resource support (56%), file auditing (19%), software training, and licensure assistance.

“Providers are the beating heart of our region’s early childhood care and education system,” said Holly Hatcher, President & CEO of the Anne & Gene Worrell Foundation, a philanthropic partner for the program. “Investing in initiatives like the EO Shared Services Alliance means investing in the economic mobility and well-being of our entire community.”

Key outcomes from year one include:

• 76% of providers felt more supported, with 35% reporting reduced stress.
• 47% experienced a reduction in administrative workload, while 35% saved on administrative costs.
• 29% spent more time in the classroom, and 24% gained valuable business management skills.

These figures, gathered from a recent provider survey, underscore the tangible benefits EOSSA delivers to its participants.

“We are pleased to partner with EO on the Shared Services Alliance model for childcare providers in our service area,” said Marvin Gilliam, chair of the Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia Board of Directors, a philanthropic partner for the program in Washington, Grayson, Russell, and Smyth counties. “The creation of a program that connects local childcare providers to administrative back-office support services will allow those businesses to reduce costs and maximize their resources as they care for the future of our region.”

Looking ahead, the EO Shared Services Alliance plans to launch a bulk purchasing service and is continuously exploring innovative ways to further support regional childcare providers. For more information, please visit EOco.org/ssa.