Alliance Equity Discussion – “Challenges Faced by Families with Young Children Experiencing Homelessness” – 10/21 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, and the next session is coming up this Friday, October 21 at 1:00 pm. We are excited to announce that this session will be facilitated by Shannon McMahon from Voices Against Violence. Shannon is the Advocacy Coordinator at Voices Against Violence, the domestic and sexual violence agency that serves Franklin and Grand Isle counties. She has been in the movement to end gendered violence in Vermont for ten years, and moved back to work at Voices Against Violence about four years ago because the program serves the community where she grew up. In preparation for Youth Homelessness Awareness Month in November, she will be the discussing the intersection of domestic violence and experiencing homelessness (including who in our communities are more likely to experience this intersection), support for families in Vermont that are affected by violence, and how to support children/youth during this difficult time. Email Taylor Hughey, Alliance Outreach Manager, at taylor@vecaa.org, to register. | |
VTAEYC Names Vermont Educator of the Year Ami English, Teacher/Director of Coventry Village School Preschool, has been named Vermont's 2022 Educator of the Year by the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC). The annual award recognizes exceptional early childhood educators and highlights the importance of high-quality early childhood education. To read the full announcement about Ami and her accomplishments, visit the VTAEYC website. | |
FTSEC Event Celebrates National Farm to School Month The Vermont Farm to School and Early Childhood Network (FTSEC) gathered on October 4 to celebrate connections between farmers and learning communities. Students, school staff, and the Network came together at Crossett Brook Middle School in Duxbury to thank US Sen. Patrick Leahy for his leadership and commitment to the farm to school movement. The day included a presentation of student projects, a school garden tour, a visit to the school’s chicken coop, and school lunch featuring foods from Vermont producers. October is National Farm to School Month and communities nationwide are celebrating. In Vermont, 89% of schools purchase some local products for school meals, and 56% of early childhood providers are serving local food one or more times per week. More than 100 Vermont farms provide food to schools and early childhood programs. For more information about the day and upcoming events, visit the FTSEC website. | |
