The Center for Education Innovation will hold free training lab sessions for childcare and Head Start providers 2 p.m. Wednesday at Alcorn State University’s Vicksburg campus, 3505 Pemberton Square Blvd., Suite 5.

During the training sessions, childcare providers and administrators will learn how to utilize the Early Childhood Hub, also known as the Mississippi Alliance of Early Learning Resources, an online resource of shared services which provides documents for administrative support, cost savings on routine purchases and practices to improve the quality of childcare outcomes.

Training sessions are also eligible for two contact hours.

Center for Education Innovation business coordinator Angela Carson said the hub is a one-stop shop they have established for childcare providers.

“It’s a web-based platform that will save them money on their purchases,” she said. “(Childcare providers will learn) how to get discounts on supplies and food purchases as well as a lot of resources ranging from classroom materials to operational materials such as budgeting and business plans and training opportunities available throughout the state and networking opportunities with other providers throughout the state.”

Carson said all of these benefits are available in one place for free.

“The training will show them how to use all the resources available to them,” he said. “It’s just another avenue with the financial liability from our centers they’re losing money with the voucher program. This is a resource to help them save some time and money.”

The only requirement to attend is being a licensed childcare provider, Carson said. This includes Head Start centers, businesses, churches and at-home care providers.

“We invite all providers to be a part of it, no strings attached,” she said. “This is just a resource.”

Ayatti Hatcher will be hosting the training session in Vicksburg, Carson said.

If providers are unable to attend the training session they can still use the resources available at msearlylearningresources.org.

Space is limited, and registration is required. For more information, call 601-354-3356 or email ahatcher@mscei.com.