Shared Services FAQ

Shared Services Alliance Frequently Asked Questions

The Shared Services Alliance, led by TXAEYC, is designed to strengthen early childhood programs across Texas. Below are answers to common questions about how it works and what you can expect when you join.

What is the Shared Services Alliance

The Shared Services Alliance supports early childhood programs by combining collective buying power, professional development, HR advising, business coaching, and access to THRIVE Workplace Benefits. It is built to help programs attract and retain educators while strengthening daily operations.

Who should join the Shared Services Alliance

SSA is designed for both small and large early childhood employers.

Smaller programs benefit from aggregation. By joining together, programs can meet participation and eligibility requirements that may not be possible independently. This creates access to affordable group health coverage and other benefits.

Larger programs may not need aggregation but gain value through professional development, HR advising, business coaching, and statewide network access.

What makes SSA different from a traditional broker

Traditional brokers typically focus only on insurance placement.

SSA provides a broader support model that includes:

Benefits aggregation for smaller employers
Professional development through webinars and a learning management system tailored to early childhood educators
HR advising and workforce guidance
Business coaching to support operational and financial growth
TXAEYC membership and statewide network access

SSA is structured to support the full strength of your organization, not just your insurance plan.

What are THRIVE Workplace Benefits

THRIVE Workplace Benefits are available to all eligible Shared Services programs. These benefits may include medical, dental, vision, and supplemental coverage through a coordinated enrollment model.

Programs enrolled in the Basics plan receive access to discounted THRIVE packages along with expanded professional development and membership benefits. A detailed benefits guide is available to walk you through plan options and enrollment steps HERE.

What is included in the base Shared Services option

The base option provides access to core Shared Services supports, including professional development opportunities, HR and teacher templates, handbook review support, business coaching resources, and access to discounted THRIVE benefit packages.

What is Shared Services Plus

Plus includes everything in the base option, along with:

NAEYC membership for eligible staff
Discounted in person or virtual professional development
Free educator webinars
Discounted leadership webinar series
Members only content
Conference related perks through TXAEYC membership

Why is there a participation fee

The participation fee supports the tools, infrastructure, advising, and coordination that make SSA possible. This includes enrollment support, professional development access, HR templates, compliance guidance, and business coaching resources.

SSA is structured as an investment in your program’s long term sustainability and workforce stability.

What are the eligibility requirements

Joining is straightforward. Programs must:

Provide proof of employment for workers in the program.

Select the participation level that aligns with their goals.

Programs selecting Shared Services Plus will also receive NAEYC membership as part of that package.

Once registered, the SSA team will guide you through next steps and timelines.

How does enrollment work

After completing the registration process, the SSA team will connect with you to review your program’s size, goals, and current structure. From there, you will receive guidance on plan selection, enrollment timing, and implementation.

SSA provides ongoing coordination and support.

How does SSA support recruitment and retention

Offering meaningful benefits and professional growth opportunities signals to educators that your program values their long term success. Access to THRIVE Workplace Benefits, professional development, leadership training, and HR guidance positions your program as a stable and competitive employer.

Contact Us

If you are exploring how Shared Services can strengthen your workforce, streamline operations, or expand access to THRIVE Workplace Benefits, we are ready to help.

Contact the TXAEYC team to discuss your program’s goals and determine the right Shared Services pathway for you.