| | New Alliance Steering Committee Stipend Policy The Alliance is committed to eliminating barriers to participation in our organizational events and committees. We are pleased to announce that the Alliance now offers stipends to eligible Steering Committee members for meetings that are two hours or longer. Steering Committee members who either serve on the Committee as individual members or for whom the costs of attendance at Steering Committee meetings are not paid by the entity they represent are now eligible for stipends of $125 for in person meetings and $75 for virtual meetings. We hope that this stipend program will encourage more participation on our Steering Committee by members who previously have not been able to be involved. Please direct any questions about this new policy to Alliance Executive Director Matt Levin at matt@vecaa.org. | | | |  | Join the Vermont Commission on Women’s Legislative Event – 1/14, 7:00 pm The Vermont Commission on Women (VCW) is hosting an event examining how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts economic aspects of women’s lives, especially for women of color in our state. This Thursday evening, January 14 from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, VCW’s Legislative After-Dinner Coffee & Conversation event will feature a panel discussion with experts, an exploration of issues in small breakout room conversations, and a wrap up Q & A session. Panelists will include new VCW Commissioner Kiah Morris, Executive Director of Mercy Connections Lisa Falcone, and UVM Professor of Economics Stephanie Seguino. This virtual event is free and open to the public. Reserve your spot online. | | | | Register for NAP SACC Professional Development Hunger Free Vermont is offering training in the Nutrition and Physical Activity Self-Assessment for Child Care (NAP SACC) program for child care providers in eligible regions. NAP SACC is an environmental change intervention program that trains providers in nutrition and physical activity best practices for early care. This program is provided at low- or no-cost for child care facilities. It consists of a self-assessment, the formulation of an achievable action plan, and five short online training sessions. Participants will receive Northern Lights credits. An online form provides more information about program eligibility and registration. Questions may be directed to Keely Agan at kagan@hungerfreevt.org. | | | | Read the 2020 "How Are Vermont's Young Children and Families?" Report from BBF On Monday, January 11, Building Bright Futures (BBF) released the 2020 How Are Vermont's Young Children and Families? Report. The 2020 report highlights the significant impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on Vermont’s early childhood system and data landscape, and identifies which indicators to watch over the next five years to see the impact of the pandemic on service provision and outcomes over time. The report also includes data on a range of services, resources, and supports Vermont offers to improve optimal developmental and educational outcomes for children. Find more information and read the full report on the BBF website. | | | |  | RSVP for the Alliance Equity Discussion Group – 1/15, 1:00 pm Join us in engaging in sustained learning about antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion! The Alliance’s monthly, salon-style discussion group will meet again on Friday, January 15, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. This week’s session will be facilitated by Mary Zentara, Alliance Steering Committee member, former child care professional, and Master's of Education student working on a trauma and resilience certificate at UVM. Email Amy Russo-Perler, Alliance Outreach Manager, at amy@vecaa.org to register. | | | |  | | | | | The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a statewide coalition formed in 2000 of early childhood professionals, parents, organizations, businesses, and strategic partners committed to improving public policies that impact young children between birth and age eight in the areas of health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The Alliance crafts an annual Legislative Agenda in partnership with early childhood organizations, provides year-round advocacy support, and facilitates meaningful interactions with policymakers at key times during the decision making process. | | | | 15 State Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602 vecaa.org The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
