CCR&R Texting Communication System

Posted by ICCRR in News on 6/17/2021

Iowa CCR&R Partners with StepAhead^® to Implement New Communication Method

June 17, 2021

We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with StepAhead^® to implement SMS text messaging to communicate with Iowa child care providers. Bobbi Riedemann, Communication Specialist for Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R), shares, “StepAhead^® provides CCR&R with another tool to ensure we are delivering information and important updates to our clients as efficiently as possible. Whether we are sharing emergency-related updates, new child care guidance or professional development opportunities, providers will be able to quickly review and take needed action from our texts.”

We recognize that many providers do not access email on a daily basis, yet they do check their phones frequently for text messages. As CCR&R serves a variety of populations, and internet access and easy access to computers may sometimes be a challenge, utilizing the technology of text messaging enables us to quickly and efficiently send reminders, important information, alerts and other announcements to the early childhood community.

Particularly in light of the past year with a global pandemic, being able to access pertinent and accurate information is crucial for providers. While the CCR&R website is the key hub for all updates & announcements, with texting we can easily alert child care providers of changes and updates to review on the website.

StepAhead^® is the leading communications company specializing in (SMS) short-message text messaging services for non-profit organizations, child care programs, education, public health and government. CCR&R serves child care professionals in all 99 counties in Iowa - including licensed Child Care Centers/Preschools, registered Child Development Homes, Child Care Homes accepting Child Care Assistance and nonregistered Child Care Homes.

CCR&R chose to work with StepAhead^® as they have a wealth of knowledge and experience working with similar agencies across the country. StepAhead^® provides a secure web-based platform for organizations to create custom messaging, workflows and real-time notifications. With a 98% open rate and 94% read rate, texting is one of the most effective ways to share information.

“Incorporating text messaging into daily activities has proven to have a variety of positive outcomes: rise in engagement; enhanced learner application; administrative time/cost savings; improvements in follow-through/completion rates; increase in emergency preparedness; decrease in recovery time; brand awareness expansion; fund development/donor growth and much more.” -Grant Ballew, CEO, StepAhead^®.

Iowa child care providers can sign up to receive texts by sending IowaCCRR to 59925 or sign up on this webpage.

For more information, please visit the CCR&R website at www.iowaccrr.org or contact us at ccrr@midsioux.org. For more information on StepAhead^® visit www.stepaheadnow.com.