Client Story

In 2019 Indiana restructured its child care system that provides contractual support for its 5,000 child care providers and over 30,000 teachers in the workforce. Indiana wanted to provide a more centralized network of training, coaching, and other technical support as well as leverage technology systems and solutions to be more accessible for child care providers. As Indiana restructured the support for child care providers it was important to have a way to gather input from the end-users or customers to help speak into this new offering of programming and support.

Shine Early Learning was selected by Indiana to provide statewide training, coaching, and technical assistance for the child care providers and workforce. In 2019 Shine Early Learning launched SPARK Learning Lab (SPARK). In response to the system changes, Shine identified the need to have a process to engage the customers in sharing feedback and input on this new program offering. 

Shine Early Learning contracted with Transform Consulting Group to develop and manage a Regional Advisory Council for SPARK as well as other key support including marketing and communication, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement. 

The Council’s purpose is to strategically aid, advise, and collaborate on SPARK’s work and obtain expert and program insights regarding approaches and processes. Council members also act as ambassadors for SPARK within their local, state, and national networks. Members bring the perspectives of their program as well as other programs in their region, share information about the Advisory Council meetings, and promote the services that SPARK provides to these groups.

Initially, SPARK wanted a Council in each of the five regions across the state of Indiana to facilitate local conversations and engagement. To establish and manage the Council, Transform Consulting Group determined:

• Composition of the membership 
• Outreach and selection process for membership 
• Membership terms
• Membership roles and responsibilities
• Membership onboarding and training process
• Meeting structure and cadence
• Policies and procedures

After four years of facilitating the Regional Advisory Councils, we decided to shift to a Statewide Advisory Council that still represents all regions of the state. As SPARK’s work continues to evolve it was important for the Council to adjust as needed to support SPARK and the state’s goals.

• Developed the structure for the Advisory Council.
• Managed marketing, outreach, and recruitment of the Council.
• Developed and coordinated the application process and selection of members.
• Created an onboarding and training process for Council members and SPARK staff.
• Created operational tools and resources, including a policy manual, roles and responsibilities, and other guiding documents.
• Developed surveys to gather feedback from Council members. 
• Provide backbone support for facilitating the Council, including preparing meeting materials in advance, slide deck presentations, and communication with Council members and staff.
• Provide financial stipends for Council members.