About Us
We believe early education leadership deserves the same level of thoughtfulness we bring to the children we serve, and that’s exactly what we offer.
We partner with childcare leaders to cultivate strong foundations, empower confident leadership, and build long term systems that support children, families, and teams alike.
Whether you’re just planting the seeds of a new center or working to stabilize and grow an existing one, ECEC will meet you where you are and help you grow!
Why We Exist
Running a preschool is uniquely challenging. Directors and owners are expected to be both early education experts and business leaders — balancing quality care with sound operations.
That’s where ECEC comes in— Our mission is to help early learning leaders bridge the gap between short-term survival and long-term sustainability — so you can lead with clarity and confidence.
Because programs flourish when they’re nurtured with intention and supported by strategy.
Our Focus
Tailored consulting services across eight core domains:
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Branding
Marketing Strategies (Digital & Local)
Social media, Website & SEO
Enrollment Strategies (Tour Flow, Follow-up, CRM Systems)
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Childcare Management System Onboarding
Inquiry-to-Enrollment Process Mapping
Budgeting & Forecasting
Tuition Structure Review
Systems Integration (Billing, Scheduling, Reporting)
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SWOT Analysis
Market & Competitor Research
Business Planning
Expansion/Replication Strategies
Annual Goals & KPIs
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Grant and Campaign Support
Piloting New Models (Outdoor Learning, Dual Language, DES Online Billing, etc.)
Program Onboarding and Integration (CACFP, DES, etc.)
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Licensing Consultation
Policy & Handbook Development/Review
Compliance Audits & Readiness Checklists
Accreditation Pathways (Quality First, NECPA, etc.)
Staff/Student File Audits
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Curriculum Selection or Development
Classroom Layout Consultations
Daily Schedule Optimization
Observation and Documentation Tools
Environment Rating Scales (ITERS, ECERS, CLASS, etc.)
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Item descriptionNew director support
Director Stabilization and Mentorship
Staff Professional Development Planning
Training Facilitation
Leadership Pipeline Planning
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Family Communication Systems
Parent Education Programming
Event Planning Templates and Support
Survey Development & Analysis
Community Partnerships
Let’s Get Started
Cortney Vaughan, MEd
With over a decade of experience in early childhood education, and a Master’s in Early Childhood Administration, Cortney brings deep expertise in program development, operational systems, and strategic consulting.
Her experience includes, supporting dozens of early learning centers across Arizona of diverse pedagogical approaches, funding sources, and business structures. Cortney has provided technical assistance for statewide initiatives, including the rollout of the DES Child Care Electronic System (CCES) and the LISC Arizona Child Care Infrastructure Grant. Previously, Cortney led the Early Learning division of Community Programs at a local nonprofit, opening and overseeing multiple schools, in partnership with community organizations. She also established the Children and Youth Division at a domestic and sexual violence shelter, designing wraparound support for children, teens, and parents in both emergency and transitional housing.
With a focus on sustainable systems and empowered leadership, Cortney founded ECEC because what we build together today, will shape the early learning landscape of tomorrow.