| | This Issue Update newsletter is part of a series that provides more information on each priority issue on the Alliance's 2026 Legislative Agenda. The Legislative Agenda is crafted annually in partnership with early childhood organizations that are advancing legislative policy solutions related to health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The priority issues were selected by the Alliance's Steering Committee. | | | | The Alliance’s series of virtual Issue Spotlights continues 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. | | | | | | Early Childhood Education: Building on Our Child Care Progress Vermont is in the midst of a child care transformation. Since Act 76 was passed in 2023, increased public investment has lowered child care costs for thousands of families, increased compensation for early childhood educators, and allowed new programs to open and existing programs to expand. Over the past two years, over 100 new child care programs have opened, over 1,700 new child care spaces have been created, and child care tuition assistance enrollment has increased by 63%. But families are still spending too much on child care, programs need more staff, and businesses rely on a strong workforce to succeed. The Alliance supports Let’s Grow Kids Action Network and the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children in their efforts to protect child care funding in the state budget; increase access and affordability for children and families; and strengthen the early childhood education workforce. | | | |  | | | | | Lead Organizations Let's Grow Kids Action Network Let’s Grow Kids Action Network (LGKAN) is a social welfare organization focused on building the political will necessary to pass laws that fund and support a sustainable and equitable child care system in Vermont. As a 501(c)(4) organization, Let’s Grow Kids Action Network can engage in political and electoral advocacy and lobbying. The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort over 50 years ago and now with 500+ members, VTAEYC offers professional development, workforce development programs, and quality supports. With a growing staff, a dedicated board, and a collaborative approach, VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s ECE workforce and programs and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future. | | | | | |  | 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. | | | | | |  | | | | | 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. | | | | | | | | | |
