| |  | Alliance Monthly Equity Discussion – “Paid Family & Medical Leave: An Equity Issue” – 1/26 Join a group of peers and colleagues from the early childhood community to engage in sustained learning about anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. The Alliance hosts a monthly, salon-style Equity Discussion Group via Zoom. Our next session is coming up on Friday, January 26 at 1:00 pm. This month we will explore the Paid Family and Medical Leave landscape in Vermont, framing our opportunities and learnings through an equity lens. We will be joined by Charlie Gliserman (Advocacy Director, AARP Vermont) and members of the Vermont Paid Leave Coalition – a community of businesses, non-profits, and everyday Vermonters advocating for the strong paid leave program Vermont families need. This Equity Salon will focus on disparities in unmet need for paid leave, the elements of an equitable paid leave program, and how paid leave is a tool for promoting health equity. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | | | |  | ECE Field Survey – Deadline 1/22 The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is seeking more responses to their survey which is collecting current, state-based data about the realities of what is happening in the early childhood education (ECE) field. Survey results will be shared with advocates, policymakers, the press, and the public. Take 15 minutes to complete NAEYC’s survey and have the chance to win one of 20 prizes, including a $100 gift card or a free registration to NAEYC’s 2024 Virtual Public Policy Forum. The survey closes on January 22. For more information, visit the NAEYC website. | | | |  | BBF to Release “The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023 Year in Review” – 1/18 Building Bright Futures (BBF) is holding a virtual briefing to mark the release of “The State of Vermont’s Children: 2023 Year in Review” on January 18 at 12:00 pm. This report provides a snapshot of the state of Vermont’s children and families, including a profile for each of Vermont’s 12 service delivery regions. It also highlights the annual Policy Recommendations from Vermont’s Early Childhood State Advisory Council Network. The 2023 report will be available for download on January 18, and reports from 2015 to 2022 are available here. To receive a free paper copy of the 2023 report, please fill out this form. For more information and to register for the briefing, visit the BBF website. | | | |  | VCLF is Hiring The Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF) is currently hiring for a Loan Administrator. This position will work in all aspects of loan processing and servicing and is an opportunity to learn about how financial services such as lending impact social and economic justice. A candidate for this position may be just entering the workforce or looking for a career change. VCLF will provide all necessary training. For more information and to apply, visit the VCLF website. | | | |  | Afterschool Expansion Grant – Applications Due 3/6 Vermont Afterschool announces the official launch of Vermont’s $3.5 million Afterschool Expansion Grant program. The grants will support expansion of existing afterschool programs, creation of new programs, and creation of comprehensive afterschool centers. Vermont schools and other municipal, private, and nonprofit afterschool programs are encouraged to apply for these $15,000-$150,000 grants. Funding for the Afterschool Expansion Grants was made possible by the passage of Act 78 in the last legislative session, which established a dedicated, annual funding source to increase afterschool and summer program capacity. Applications are due on March 6. More information about the grant, including the application, can be found on the Agency of Education website. | | | |  | | | Registration Open for ECDL ’24! Join us in person for the 30th Annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier! (Note new date). For more information, visit the Alliance website. | | | | | |  | | | | | 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. | | | | 7 School Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602 vecaa.org The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
