Professional Connection
Peer networking and a national community that recognizes every Early Learning setting.
NAHCENational Alliance for Home-Based and Center-Based EducatorsApply for MembershipAlliance Membership
Your professional home is ready to welcome you.
Membership is open to educators, students, trainers, advocates, programs, and institutions serving home-based and center-based Early Learning.
Join the movement
Choose how you want to connect.
Watch the Alliance introduction, then choose membership, general support, or conference sponsorship. Membership applications go through secure review before payment and activation.
Clear membership value
See what begins after payment.
Review active benefits separately from training, scholarships, events, and other programs still in development.
90-day launch recognition
Founding Member period: September 2–November 30, 2026.
Applicants who are approved and complete payment during this period receive permanent Founding Member recognition. This designation is added to the approved membership category and does not change eligibility, voting rights, or annual dues.
Start the applicationLearning & Records
Professional education, practical tools, and a member portal prepared for training records.
Advocacy & Leadership
Opportunities to inform dialogue, develop leadership, and strengthen the educator voice.
Digital Membership
A member number, digital card, annual status, renewal date, and receipt record after activation.
Approved annual dues
Choose the category that fits you.
Educators who normally work more than 20 hours per week select Early Learning Educator. Substitutes and relief educators who normally work 20 hours or fewer per week select Substitute or Relief Educator. Parent & Family Connection membership is $10 per enrolled family—not per child or parent—and must be connected to an active Alliance provider member.
Early Learning Educator
For educators who normally work more than 20 hours per week, including home-based providers, assistants, teachers, directors, owners, and program leaders.
$75/yearApply in this category →Substitute or Relief Educator
For substitutes and relief educators who normally work 20 hours or fewer per week.
$50/yearApply in this category →Student & Emerging Educator
For individuals currently enrolled in a college, university, technical school, CDA program, credential program, apprenticeship, or other approved education or Early Learning training program. Current enrollment proof is required and reviewed before activation.
$35/yearApply in this category →Trainer, Mentor or Consultant
For professionals who train, coach, mentor, or advise educators and programs.
$100/yearApply in this category →Advocate or Supporter
For families, advocates, and community supporters committed to the Alliance mission.
$75/yearApply in this category →Program or Institution
For schools, programs, agencies, associations, and organizational partners.
$250/yearApply in this category →Parent & Family Connection
For one family currently enrolled with an active Alliance provider member. Includes newsletters, family resources, Alliance updates, and eligible family events.
$10/family/yearApply in this category →How membership activation works
- Submit the secure public application.
- Student applicants upload current enrollment proof for review.
- Alliance administration reviews the application.
- After approval, payment is requested for the correct category.
- Successful payment activates the member number, digital card, receipt, and one-year term.
Student verification
Student applicants may upload a current student ID with an expiration date, class schedule, enrollment-verification letter, tuition statement, or current transcript. Proof is stored in the secure portal and is not displayed in the public directory. Eligibility is checked again at annual renewal.
Apply and upload proofOptional member promotion
Member Business Directory
Active members may choose whether their organization and website appear publicly. A listing is never published without the member’s permission.
A nationwide voice
Regional, state, and county representation
As membership grows, authorized representatives can support defined geographic areas while member records and officer access remain controlled by assigned roles.