Frequently Asked Questions
Find quick answers about PSSA membership, resources, training, the Resource Platform, the Online University, Palmetto Childcare Connect, and more. This page is designed to make it easier for providers to find what they need without digging through multiple pages or emails.
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Many answers are below, but if you still need support, this page includes the most relevant contacts and links so providers can move quickly to the right next step.
General
Answers to common questions about who PSSA is, how membership works, orientation expectations, hiring, contact information, and staying connected.
PSSA, or Palmetto Shared Services Alliance, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting childcare providers in South Carolina. It offers resources, services, and programs designed to help childcare programs thrive, including training, support resources, and a statewide substitute pool. Its mission is to improve the quality, accessibility, and sustainability of early childhood education in South Carolina.
Membership is currently free thanks to a grant from SC Childcare. To get started, providers should click the Join PSSA tab to refer their program and begin the process. Membership includes access to a range of resources and benefits for childcare providers in South Carolina.
Yes. The New Member Orientation, also called The PSSA Advantage, is mandatory for all new members. It is a one-hour Program Administration training approved for DSS credit and is designed to help members learn how to access and use PSSA's 3,000+ resources effectively. PSSA offers two live Zoom sessions each week as well as an on-demand version through the PSSA Online University. Visit the New Member Orientation page or Email Ruth.
At this time, PSSA does not broadly offer technical assistance. Exceptions are made for Business Plan and Budget Creation, where guidance and support may be available for reviewing existing plans or starting from scratch.
Yes. PSSA is currently looking for substitutes for the Palmetto Childcare Connect substitute workforce. Providers can click the Workforce tab to learn more.
PSSA's mailing address is PO Box 24229, Greenville, SC 29616. The office is located at 700 N Pleasantburg Dr, Greenville, SC 29607.
PSSA recommends two simple ways to stay in the know:
- Subscribe to the newsletter
- Follow PSSA on social media through the icons in the website footer
Resources
Learn more about the Resource Platform, access expectations, the job board, and Palmetto Childcare Connect.
PSSA offers a wide range of resources, including access to the Resource Platform, professional development opportunities, a dedicated job board, cost savings at the national and local levels, and support for program improvement. These resources are available to childcare providers including family home providers and after-school programs.
The Resource Platform is a members-only website that gives childcare programs access to tools and resources such as business planning templates, budgeting tools, policy development materials, best practice guides, regulatory updates, and training materials. It also includes a job board and cost savings opportunities at both the national and local levels. New resources are added regularly, and the platform is accessible on computer, tablet, or phone.
Not directly. PSSA provides one login per center, typically assigned to the director, owner, or assistant director. While the focus is on the business side of childcare, sharing the login among staff is permitted. The In the Classroom tab includes helpful resources for teachers. Only one person may be logged in at a time.
To use the Acquire4Hire job board, providers must register first, and approval can take 24–48 hours. Once inside, users are guided through Indeed's connection policies. Indeed currently requires at least two active job postings and a website before integration will work. Users should download the full Job Board Instructions, and if additional help is needed, they can Email Shelley to schedule a quick Zoom.
Yes. PSSA is launching a substitute workforce pilot called Palmetto Childcare Connect with funding from SC DSS. The pilot has launched in Anderson and Marlboro counties, with hopes of expanding to additional counties later in 2026. To participate, programs must be PSSA members. For more information, Email Catie.
Training
Answers about professional development, SC Endeavors approval, the Online University, full trainings, transcript updates, and troubleshooting.
Yes. PSSA's professional development team is available for hire and can customize a training plan for staff or county needs. Both in-person sessions and virtual training through Zoom are available. Email the PD Team to discuss options.
Yes. PSSA's in-person and webinar trainings are certified through DSS and SC Endeavors. The Online University courses are developed by the same team, but under SC Endeavors rules they are considered registered trainings rather than certified in the same way.
The PSSA Online University offers courses that are accessible to everyone, whether or not they are PSSA members. The system is built directly into the SC Endeavors website, which means transcripts are automatically updated after successful completion. Most courses are $8 per credit hour, and the Palmetto Basics series is free courtesy of Greenville First Steps.
If a training is full, providers should Email the PD Team. It is very likely they will still be able to join the training, and the team will follow up soon.
SC Endeavors no longer requires certificates of completion. Trainers have up to two weeks to award credit for trainings on the SC Endeavors platform. If two weeks have passed and the transcript is still not updated, providers should Email the PD Team.
Users should make sure they are using Google Chrome and are connected to high-speed internet. If problems continue, disabling a firewall may help. If support is still needed, Email the PD team.
Still need help?
PSSA offers multiple ways to stay connected, get support, and learn more about the services available to South Carolina childcare providers. Start with the answer that fits best, then reach out if you need more help.