For members of the Early Childhood Funder Collaborative
The Early Childhood Funder Collaborative is a project of the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy and is comprised of 14 funders from around the state who bring many years of experience in supporting and operating programs that serve the needs of children and families. It's mission is to bring the collective voice and resources of philanthropy to build and sustain a comprehensive early childhood system that works for all children, families, communities and the workforce in Connecticut.
Shared Services in the Early Care and Learning Sector: A Funder's Perspective
Opportunities Exchange will lead a funder-only session to discuss the critical role funders can play in supporting Shared Services. Utilizing a Shared Service approach to operating early care and learning programs can optimize the use of critical resources and improve the sustainability and quality of services to children and families. This session will help funders learn more about Shared Services and explore the range of critical roles that funders can play as a catalyst to support Shared Services for early care and learning programs.
While the focus will be on shared services in the early care field, we know that similar approaches can be applied to other programs and efforts including after school, seniors and social services. Thus, you may want to invite colleagues in your organization responsible for other programs areas. For foundations with nonprofit support centers, this presentation may inform your nonprofit capacity building work.
9:00 - 10:00 AM: ECFC member business meeting with executive session
10:00 - 11:30 AM: Opportunities Exchange presentation
The presenters will be available after 11:30 for additional discussion and individual consultation.
PRESENTERS
Sharon Easterling, Partner, Opportunities Exchange
Sharon Easterling currently works with the Opportunities Exchange consulting team to support community based Shared Service initiatives. For 22 years, Sharon served as Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Association for the Education of Young Children (DVAEYC), one of the largest local affiliates of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Karen Murrell, Partner, Opportunities Exchange
Karen Murrell currently works with the Opportunities Exchange Consulting team to foster the development of Shared Service Alliances across the US and to ensure that children and families in low-income neighborhoods and communities of color have access to affordable, high-quality early care and education. Karen is also founder and president of Higher Heights Consulting and Training, a consulting firm based in Silver Spring, MD that develops programs, products, and policy ideas that improve the well-being of low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
QUESTIONS?
For more information about the agenda for this meeting or to RSVP to attend, contact Carol P. O’Donnell, Collaborative Executive Director, 203-927-5997.