Strategic Partners
School/Center Improvement Programs and Resources
ELCA Lutheran Identity
A free brochure for parents, staff, and school leaders to familiarize themselves with our unique identity (PDF).
Bulk orders are available by contacting [email protected]
Church and School: Together in Ministry
A self-study guide for congregations and educational centers operating TOGETHER IN MINISTRY to transform lives and change communities for the good. An informational brochure is available.
ELEA Chapel Resource
Preview this valuable tool for educators and leaders within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), aiming to enrich chapel experiences and support the holistic faith formation of students and caregivers in our schools and learning centers.
Pastoring Lutheran Schools and Learning Centers
A newly revised guide for Pastor's new to congregations with school or center ministries or those wanting a refresher on better practices for this vital ministry.
"Ministry of the Congregation" Recognition Program
A self-study of ministry and relationships for Evangelical Lutheran Church in America School Ministry programs.
Centers of Wellness Program
Center of wellness program for schools and early childhood centers
ELEA Education Conference Guide
Guidance and protocols for hosting an ELEA conference or event in your area.
What's Working? What's Not?
An article on the characteristics of successful ELCA schools and early childhood centers.
Joffe Emergency Services
YOUR PARTNERS IN SAFETY join with ELEA to bring you a 5 part learning module for co-located school safety.
- A Comprehensive Guide to Strategic Planning
Zywave, free access for ELEA members - a $900 per year value – state-specific guidance, training, and policies for all Human Resource-related topics. Policy handbook builder, customizable to your state and local laws.
Accrediting Agencies often used by ELCA Schools and Centers - Summary found HERE.
Embrace diversity, equity, and inclusion as fundamental values: practice pointers, questions to consider, and resources will offer inspiration and guidance.
Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action - The ELCA has developed a study guide featuring six flexible lessons which incorporate prayers, videos, engaging activities, Scripture study and invitations to live out the call to gender justice in the world
- Statement on Expulsion and Suspension in Early Childhood (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services)
Anti-Harassment, Right to Be
National Database of Childcare Prices | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)
Examining the Role of Faith-Based Child Care. an early childhood initiative from the Bipartisan Policy Center.
School/Church Safety and Security
Joffe Emergency Services: YOUR PARTNERS IN SAFETY join with ELEA to bring you a 5 part learning module for co-located school safety.
Protecting Places of Worship: Six Steps to Enhance Security Against Targeted Violence
Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events: developed in response to the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut. This booklet provides practical guidance on how to help support children after a traumatic event.
The K-12 Exercise Starter Kits currently focus on an active shooter incident and are broken into three (3) K-12 school levels.
Available Grant $: https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security
Financial Services
- The Mission Investment Fund (MIF) is a financial ministry of the ELCA designed to serve ELCA-affiliated organizations, including members of the ELEA. MIF specializes in providing loans and expertise for building projects, renovations and expansions, as well as products for short- and long-term investing—all at highly competitive rates. When you invest or borrow from the Mission Investment Fund, you also help our church invest in other congregations and ministries as they increase their capacity to do God’s work in the world. Learn more at mif.elca.org.
- The ELCA Federal Credit Union offers membership benefits that extend to you, your school, your congregation, your employees, and even your students and their families. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, earnings are shared with members through better rates and lower fees on auto loans, personal loans, home mortgages, and more. Your school can also take advantage of various services designed for ministry organizations like yours: a corporate credit card program, loans for vehicle purchases, ministry savings and checking accounts, and more. Learn more at elcafcu.org.
School Photographers of America (SPOA)
School Photographers of America is an association of independent school photographers nationwide. If you are looking for a school photographer or yearbook provider, they have a resource guide for schools that are looking for local, regional, or national photographers.
School Management Systems
SmartCare - Simplify Child Care Management and Engage Families Through Automation. Exceptional rates and trusted customer service with seamless tuition collection from Vanco.
SchoolMint specializes in helping schools successfully recruit families and enroll students through a proactive, data-driven approach based on the top 5 reasons families choose a school.
SMART Tuition - ELEA Member discounts available
ProCare - Discounts pending
Kangarootime - ELEA Member discounts available
Beehively and Techabee: Two great opportunities from one company. Techabee partners with schools to ensure that your technology programs are sustainable and designed to grow with your school. Beehively is your home for cutting-edge websites, SIS, and communication tools for your school. ELEA Member discounts available
Brightwheel: Brightwheel now offers an incredible discount on new Brightwheel subscriptions based on ELEA membership. (Pricing not to go below $50/month after all discounts and promotions)
ELEA Members to receive 25% discount on regular pricing (schedule a meeting)
Non-member ELCA Schools and Centers can receive 15% discount on regular pricing
ELEA Members who are existing Brightwheel customers are eligible to participate in the Advocacy Program, potentially offering free months of service.
Communication Tools
Zing!
Custom communication app for your school. One-stop-shop for Parents. 30% Discount for ELEA members. Go to GetZing.co.
Additional Resources
Exchange: The Early Childhood Leaders Magazine. FREE magazine ($38 per year value) plus great discounts on staff development materials.
MAP Suite - An integrated assessment solution: The assessments in the MAP Suite give you a thorough picture of student learning: how much they’ve grown, what they’re ready to learn, and the specific skill gaps they need to master.