About
The Child Care Purchasing Alliance (CCPA) is a specialized group purchasing organization built exclusively for the child care and early education sector. Through free membership, child care centers, day care providers, nonprofits, Head Start programs, charter schools, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, and dozens of other child-serving organizations can access deeply discounted pricing on the products and services they use every day. CCPA negotiates bulk purchasing agreements across a wide range of categories including food programs, health/dental/vision insurance, liability insurance and worker's compensation, cleaning and janitorial supplies, classroom furniture, educational materials, office and art supplies, credit card processing, graphic and web design, payroll and HR services, and employee advantage packages. Beyond cost savings, members receive industry-leading customer service, personalized purchasing advice, and access to exclusive or innovative products not found elsewhere. CCPA's model is designed to level the playing field for organizations of all sizes — from small independent day care centers to large statewide associations. CCPA also gives back by donating a percentage of every purchase to programs focused on child care and education, reinforcing its mission to support America's youth. Membership is completely free, and the program is headquartered in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, serving organizations nationwide.
Key Features
- Free Group Purchasing Programs: Members join at no cost and immediately gain access to negotiated discounts across a wide range of essential products and services.
- Broad Service Coverage: Covers food, health/dental/vision insurance, liability insurance, cleaning supplies, classroom furniture, payroll, HR, and more.
- Exclusive & Innovative Products: Access to products and deals not available anywhere else, sourced specifically for child care and early education organizations.
- Personalized Purchasing Advice: Members receive expert guidance to help them make the best purchasing decisions for their specific needs and budget.
- Charitable Giving: CCPA donates a percentage of every purchase back to programs focused on child care and education.
Use Cases
- A nonprofit child care center reduces its annual operating costs by consolidating food, supply, and insurance purchases through CCPA's negotiated vendor contracts.
- A Head Start program accesses affordable group health, dental, and vision insurance for its staff through CCPA's free insurance programs.
- A small preschool with limited purchasing power uses CCPA to access bulk pricing on cleaning supplies and classroom furniture typically reserved for large organizations.
- A state child care association recommends CCPA to its member organizations as a free resource to help them stretch limited funding further.
- A YMCA childcare division streamlines procurement for multiple locations by routing essential supply purchases through CCPA's preferred vendor network.
Pros
- Completely Free to Join: There are no membership fees — organizations of any size can access savings immediately at no cost.
- Wide Range of Categories: Covers virtually every operational need a child care center has, from food programs to HR services.
- Serves Diverse Organizations: Open to a broad spectrum of child-serving entities including nonprofits, schools, camps, hospitals, and national associations.
- Gives Back to the Industry: A percentage of every purchase is reinvested into child care and education causes, creating a community-focused purchasing cycle.
Cons
- U.S.-Focused: Programs and vendor relationships appear to be centered on U.S.-based child care organizations, limiting global applicability.
- Not a Digital or AI Platform: CCPA is a service-based alliance rather than a self-serve software platform, so procurement may require direct contact with representatives.
- Savings May Vary by Category: Discount levels can differ significantly depending on the product or service category and the organization's purchasing volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is membership in CCPA really free?
Yes. CCPA membership is completely free for eligible organizations. There are no setup fees, annual dues, or hidden costs.
Who is eligible to join the Child Care Purchasing Alliance?
Any organization providing care or education to children can join, including child care centers, day cares, preschools, charter schools, YMCAs, Boys & Girls Clubs, Head Start programs, children's hospitals, and many more.
What kinds of products and services does CCPA cover?
CCPA covers food programs, health/dental/vision insurance, liability insurance, worker's compensation, cleaning supplies, classroom furniture, educational materials, office supplies, payroll and HR services, credit card processing, and graphic/web design.
How does CCPA make money if membership is free?
CCPA earns revenue through agreements with its vendor partners. A percentage of every purchase made through CCPA is also donated back to child care and education programs.
How do I get started with CCPA?
You can contact CCPA directly via their website at childcarepurchasing.org, by phone at 800.297.5006, or by email at [email protected] to learn about available programs and begin saving.
