The Austin Childcare Providers Network (ACPN) is a Chicago-based nonprofit that empowers early childhood providers to create engaging learning environments and sustainable businesses. With over 25 community partners, ACPN serves both home-based and center-based providers through advocacy, professional development, and resource sharing.

ACPN recognized the need for a clear, outcomes-focused framework to guide their programs, improve provider experience, and communicate their impact to funders and partners.
Key challenges included:

• Lack of unified program logic: Activities were occurring in silos without a clearly documented theory of change.

• Difficulty demonstrating impact: Without aligned metrics, it was challenging to show the outcomes of their work.

• Provider segmentation gaps: Home-based and center-based providers had different needs, but programming and support were not clearly differentiated.

As the lead consultant, I designed a collaborative process to develop a revised Theory of Change and two aligned Logic Models—one for home-based providers and one for center-based providers—ensuring each aligned with ACPN’s mission and measurable outcomes.

Key steps included:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitated feedback sessions with leadership, program staff, and partner organizations.

2. Document Review: Analyzed existing program materials, partner agreements, and ExceleRate Illinois Silver Circle standards to identify alignment opportunities.

3. Data Integration: Synthesized survey and interview data from providers to capture their priorities, motivations, and challenges.

4. Framework Development: Created visual, plain-language logic models and a unified theory of change to serve as both strategic and communication tools.

5. Differentiated Pathways: Mapped 18-month activity and outcomes timelines for home-based and center-based providers, tailored to their operational realities.

View Deliverables Here

1. Finalized Theory of Change to clarify mission alignment and impact pathways.

2. Developed two detailed Logic Models to guide program implementation.

3. Produced Provider Profiles highlighting key motivations, strengths, and barriers to engagement.

4. Delivered an Outcome Dashboard framework for tracking progress toward strategic goals.

• Greater clarity & alignment: Leadership now has a shared understanding of how activities lead to measurable impact.

• Improved funder communication: The models and dashboards provide a clear, compelling way to demonstrate ACPN’s value to stakeholders.

• Tailored provider engagement: Separate frameworks for home-based and center-based providers enable more relevant programming and resource allocation.

• Stronger strategic decision-making: ACPN can now prioritize initiatives and partnerships based on clear logic and measurable outcomes.

“Brandy took what felt complicated and made it clear. The frameworks she created gave us the confidence and direction we needed to engage our providers, partners, and funders in a much more powerful way”

Ruth Kimble, Executive Director, ACPN