This Issue Update newsletter is part of a series that provides more information on each priority issue on the Alliance's 2025 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.

 

Parent Child Center Network: Request for Tobacco Settlement Funds to Reduce Tobacco Use Among Pregnant Persons and Prevent Exposure Among Young Children

The Vermont Parent Child Center Network (PCCN) is comprised of 15 independent Parent Child Centers serving all geographic areas of the state. Funded through the state PCCN Integrated Grant, PCCs provide eight core services to support parents and give children under age six the best possible start. These services are parent support, parent education, concrete supports, home visits, playgroups, information and referral, early childhood services and community development around early childhood, and family issues. PCCs are also providers of many of the state's critical services for young children and families including Children's Integrated Services (CIS), Parents as Teachers (PAT)  home visiting, licensed childcare and specialized childcare, Learning Together Program for parents completing high school, and others.  

This year the PCCN is seeking $500,000 in Tobacco Settlement Fund dollars in addition to the Integrated Grant to support and expand a range of smoking and vaping cessation, health education and prevention activities to:

  • Reduce the number of pregnant and parenting adults who use tobacco products,
  • Prevent parents and other household members from future smoking and vaping, and
  • Protect children from the detrimental effects of secondhand smoke in the home and places where they learn and play.

Vermont ranks 5th worst in the nation in rates of smoking during pregnancy. Over 13% of all births were affected by cigarette use in 2023. There is no safe level of secondhand smoke for young children. Smoke exposure contributes to a range of respiratory and other illnesses in children. Vaping is not a safe alternative, for either the adult or children in the home. PCCs are in a unique position to make a difference. PCCs build trusting relationships with parents, and can offer the support, education and the referrals needed to address this critical health challenge in Vermont.  

Legislative Update

So far, our proposal has been well received by the Legislature. We have also had positive conversations with the Department of Health to lay the groundwork for a strong partnership. Network members have provided testimony to the House Committee on Human Services, to the public budget hearings, and to the legislative Rural Caucus. We thank everyone for their support!

 

Data and Talking Points

  • An unacceptable rate of 13.1% of all live births in 2023 were affected by cigarette use.

  • Parent Child Centers serve families with young children prenatal to age 8 throughout the State through the provision of eight core services which include: home visiting, early childhood education, parent education, playgroups, support groups for parents, concrete supports such as food, diapers and emergency assistance, community development and resources and referrals.

  • During 2024 the 15 PCC’s in Vermont served over 17,000 families around the state.

  • Exposure to tobacco can cause lower birthweight, preterm delivery, higher risk for SIDS, higher risk for ear infections, lung infections and decreased lung function.

 

Lead Organization

Vermont Parent Child Center Network

The Vermont PCC Network includes 15 centers around the state that help families make sure children get off to a healthy start. Services include early childhood services, home visits to families with young children, playgroups, parent education, parent support, and information and referral.

Resources

 

Alliance ‘25 Legislative Agenda Issue Spotlight – Doula Coverage and PCCN – 2/24

The Alliance’s series of virtual Issue Spotlights, which focus on issues from the Alliance’s 2025 Legislative Agenda, continues next week.

Our next session will be held Monday, February 24, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm, and will focus on two issues – Medicaid funding for community doula care, and the Parent Child Center Network request for funding for their tobacco cessation programs.

Led by representatives from the Doula Association of Vermont and the Vermont Parent Child Center Network (PCCN), this session is a great opportunity to learn more about each of these issues, get an update on how they are progressing 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.

RECENT NEWSLETTERS

Alliance Monthly Equity Discussion – 2/21; Alliance Issue Spotlight – 2/24; BBF State Advisory Council Meeting – 2/24; VTAEYC WOYC Mini-Grants – Deadline to Apply 2/28; VCLF is Hiring

Issue Update - Doula Coverage

7 School Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602

vecaa.org

The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund.

Follow Us

Unsubscribe or Manage Your Preferences