| |  | Thanksgiving Message from the Alliance On Thursday and throughout the week, many of us will be celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday. This is a time when Americans typically gather with loved ones, participate in family traditions, and continue the seasonal shift from summer to winter. Thanksgiving is often thought about in pretty simple terms – food (turkey, pie), family (the stereotypical table), and culture (the story of the Mayflower, football on television, Black Friday). However, its celebration can and should be complicated. It is complicated to reflect on the true origins of the holiday, and the violent colonization of Native peoples and land. It is complicated by our awareness that not all in our community are safe and secure, and that there are systemic issues that perpetuate that reality. This year, it is also complicated as many of us break from tradition and celebrate Thanksgiving distanced from our loved ones in order to keep us all safe. This week, the Alliance staff are taking time to educate ourselves, give back, and reflect on the best part of Thanksgiving – the opportunity to express gratitude. We are very grateful for your efforts. So many of you have been working so hard to help families and children through a very challenging time. We so much appreciate your work and service. The Alliance's broad coalition of members and partners has worked hard this year on advocacy on behalf of Vermont's young children and families. For that, we thank you. Any discussion of a complex issue risks leaving important voices and perspectives out. Here are a few websites to encourage more reflection, prompt more discussion, and provide resources: | | | | Child Care Workforce Stabilization Payment Program – Deadline is November 29 In recognition of the essential role of child care and afterschool programs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the extreme difficulties that programs are facing in trying to recruit, retain, and support staff during this challenging time, the Legislature, Administration, and advocacy organizations worked together to create a workforce stabilization program. The Child Care Workforce Stabilization Program will send payments to child care programs to make one-time payments to current full and part-time staff who provided direct, in-person care to children at any point from September 1 to December 30, 2020. The Legislature allocated federal CARES Act funds for this purpose in early November. Because these funds must be spent by December 30, all applications must be submitted by November 29. Payments will be distributed to programs in mid-December and must be paid to staff by December 30, 2020.
For more information, including eligibility requirements, frequently asked questions, and application instructions, visit the Department for Children and Families website. | | | | FY22 Budget Development has Begun – Speak Out Now! The Department of Finance and Management is soliciting feedback from the public on FY 2022 State Budget development. This is the budget that will go into effect in July 2021. Members of the public may submit thoughts, comments, or suggestions regarding the development of the FY 2022 budget via an online survey or public comment page. Now is the time for your voice to be heard! | | | | | | Apply Now – Make Way for Kids Grants Funded in part by a grant from Vermont's Child Development Division, the Let’s Grow Kids Make Way for Kids program offers grants and technical assistance to efforts that will increase the number of child care spaces in the state. Those interested in applying will need to fill out a Make Way for Kids inquiry form and register to attend an informational Zoom meeting for grant applicants, on either November 30 at 6:00 pm or December 1 at 1:00 pm. For more information, including grant guidelines, please visit the Let’s Grow Kids 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. | | | | 15 State Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602 vecaa.org The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. | | | | | | | | | |
