Vermont Family Network Launches Vaccine Support Initiative

Vermont Family Network has launched Confident Care for Kids (CCFK), a statewide initiative to increase sensory supports for children with disabilities and special health needs to ease their anxiety when getting the COVID-19 vaccine at a community-based pediatric or family care practice in Vermont.

CCFK provides parents with a free downloadable Vax Visit Prep Kit that includes a social story, video, and gaming resources about vaccinations and tips on how to support your child when getting a vaccination. For pediatric and family practices, CCFK provides training, materials and calming sensory tools like wand spinners, stress balls, bubble timers, and more.

You can find more information about CCFK on the Vermont Family Network website.

Executive Order from Gov. Scott Supports Vermont Afterschool

Vermont leaders gathered at the Vermont History Museum in Montpelier to celebrate “Lights On” Afterschool Day on October 28, which is a nationwide event celebrating afterschool programs and their vital role in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities.

Following the event, Gov. Phil Scott announced an Executive Order that will create the Vermont Interagency Afterschool Youth Task Force to facilitate the continued development of a statewide system offering safe, enriching, and comprehensive options for Vermont’s youth from kindergarten through high school. The new program, funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will also support out-of-school-time programs in the state so they can expand access to afterschool and summer learning programs in the summer of 2022 and during the 2022/23 school year. Sen. Bernie Sanders attended the event to offer his support and speak about the details of the federal funding.

More information can be found in the press release.

Alliance Monthly Equity Discussion – 11/19

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 on Friday, November 19 at 1:00 pm.

“Winter Holiday Perils and Possibilities,” will be facilitated by Alliance Executive Director Matt Levin. He will provide one Jewish person’s perspective on the challenges and opportunities that come with public celebrations of the traditional December holidays in classrooms, offices, waiting rooms, and break rooms. 

Email Dan Brown, Alliance Public Engagement Director, at dan@vecaa.org to register.

Read the VCLF Social Impact Report

The Alliance's parent organization, the Vermont Community Loan Fund (VCLF), is a mission-driven, community-focused alternative lender that provides loans and other resources to local businesses, community organizations and nonprofits, early care and learning providers, and developers of affordable housing who don’t qualify for a loan from a traditional lender.

VCLF has released their 2021 Social Impact Report that highlights the community-empowering work they have done in the last year. Their loan portfolio impacts for 2021 include 163 children enrolled in early care and learning programs, 64 affordable homes built and rehabilitated, and 483 jobs created and preserved.

Learn more on the Loan Fund’s website.

Alliance Membership Cycle Open

The Alliance’s 2022 membership cycle is open! Alliance members are committed to a common purpose – working together to amplify early childhood voices and influence policy making in order to realize the promise of every Vermont child. We are grateful for the work of our members who advanced our vision this year. We hope you will join us in the coming year to build on the past year’s efforts and support several new initiatives.

You can join or renew your annual membership online today. If you have questions, please contact the Alliance’s Outreach Manager Taylor Hughey at taylor@vecaa.org.