| |  | Alliance ‘26 Legislative Agenda Issue Spotlight – Early Childhood Education/Act 76 – 2/23 In the coming weeks, the Alliance is hosting virtual Issue Spotlights that will focus on one or two issues from the Alliance’s 2026 Legislative Agenda. In discussions led by representatives from the issue’s Lead Organizations, participants will be able to ask direct questions and hear a brief legislative update. The next session will be held Monday, February 23, at 3:00 pm, and will focus on work this session being led by Let’s Grow Kids Action Network (LGKAN) to protect child care funding in the state budget, increase access and affordability for children and families, and strengthen the early childhood education workforce. Hosted by LGKAN, this session is a great opportunity to learn more about this important issue, where it stands in the Legislature, and how to get involved. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | | | |  | BBF State Advisory Council Meeting – 2/23 The Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council (SAC) will be meeting virtually on Monday, February 23, from 1:30 to 3:00 pm. The meeting will include a discussion of the impacts of the grants distributed through the Vermont Early Childhood Fund, and plans for two federal grants recently awarded to Vermont including the one-year $12.7 million Preschool Development Grant Birth Through 5 (PDG B-5) grant which has a focus on data integration and systems change. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | | | |  | Alliance Monthly Equity Discussion – “Love, Inclusion, and Trust at Northshire Day School” – 2/27 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, February 27, at 1:00 pm. The discussion will be led by Laurie Metcalfe, the Executive Director of the Northshire Day School (NDS) in Manchester Center. Laurie will share how NDS has been engaged in ongoing work around Love, Inclusion, and Trust (LIT) framework, and how this has been a meaningful entry point for sustained learning about equity and belonging within their school community. Come share in a conversation about equity that is applicable to all ages, provides guidance, and offers hope as we navigate complex times. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | | | |  | WOYC Grants – Applications Due 2/27 The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is offering $500 grants for events during Week of the Young Child (WOYC) this year. To be eligible, at least one person on the planning team must be a current member of VTAEYC; the event/activity must take place during WOYC, April 11-17, 2026; and the applicant must be partnering with at least one other Early Childhood Education organization (i.e. parent child centers, another ECE program, BBF early childhood networks). For more information and to apply, visit the VTAEYC website. Application submission closes February 27. Chosen recipients will be notified by March 6. Visit the NAEYC website for more information about the WOYC and resources to help plan an event. | | | |  | Vermont Kindergarten Conference – 3/25 Registration is open for the 2026 Vermont Kindergarten Conference on Wednesday, March 25, at the DoubleTree in South Burlington. This year’s theme, "Play, Inquiry, and Imagination: How Early Learning Shapes Lifelong Thinkers," promises to inspire and empower educators and explore kindergarten expectations and practices that support smoother transitions for children entering school. Visit the conference website for more information and to register. | | | |  | | | Register for ECDL ’26! Join us in person for Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel in Montpelier To register a group larger than five, please contact Taylor Hughey, Alliance Outreach Manager, at taylor@vecaa.org. Scholarships and professional development are available. Contact taylor@vecaa.org with any questions. Visit the Alliance website for more information. | | | | | |  | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | | |
