Overview of Mainspring
Built on a Shared Services framework developed during an initial pilot project phase, First Steps Kent has implemented Mainspring Early Care Alliance (previously known as the Shared Services Pilot Project) in its second phase to support and strengthen child care businesses.


Priority Areas
Provider-Informed Voice
Responsive to and reflective of the community an 11-member, paid, licensed in-home, child care business advisory guides and strategically informs the alliance by actively ensuring that early care and business resources are invested wisely and fairly.
Connector/Connections
Providers will have access to a coordinated system of community, education, business, and peer connections.
Business Support
Provide necessary business supports as identified by the Mainspring Alliance Advisory, including intentional networking opportunities.
Equitable Language Services
Access to support and services in an individual's preferred language, including resources related to interpretation and translation.
Advocacy
As advocates, child care business owners and their families are empowered to influence policy through strategic partnerships with key organizations, driving systemic improvements in early care and education.
Mainspring Staff
Kristen Sobolewski
VP of Early Care and Education
ksobolewski@firststepskent.org616.632.1011Awilda Diaz
Bilingual Project Manager
adiaz@firststepskent.org616.528.4559Rebecca Keller
Mainspring FCCN Coordinator
kellercareconsultants@gmail.com
Mainspring Advisory
Responsive to and reflective of the community, the advisory will ensure that early care alliance resources are invested wisely and fairly. The Mainspring Alliance Advisory guides decisions, informs strategy, and influences priorities.
Latashia Bennett
Isabel Blair
Katia Cruz
Trisha Dart
Laurie Fletcher
Teresa James
Rebecca Keller
Clarivel Martinez-Gross
Racheal Moses
Tasha Taylor