| | End of Legislative Session Target is May 14 Legislative leaders have started to talk about the proposed end of this year's legislative session, which is projected to be on or around May 14. While there are still a number of unresolved issues – most critically, what process will be used to allocate federal pandemic response funding – committee work on developing the FY22 Budget is on schedule for the session to end mid-May. Work also continues on a number of other key bills, including S.100 (nutrition/food security) and H.171 (early childhood education/professional development), as the number of legislative work days remaining gets smaller. In other words, now is the time to get in touch with the lead organizations working on Legislative Agenda issues you care about and ask them how you can support their efforts. Let us know how we can support you and have your voice be heard on issues of concern. | | | |  | Week of the Young Child This week, April 10-16, is the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), an annual celebration sponsored by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). WOYC offers an opportunity for early childhood professionals to shine a spotlight on their classrooms, advocacy, and family engagement activities. Week of the Young Child is intended to focus public attention on the needs of young children and their families and to recognize the early childhood programs and services that meet those needs. To learn more about WOYC and how to participate, visit NAEYC’s website. | | | |  | Alliance Equity Discussion Group – 4/16, 1:00 pm Join a group of peers from the early childhood community to engage in sustained learning about antiracism and diversity, equity, and inclusion! The Alliance has established a monthly, salon-style Equity Discussion Group via Zoom, and the next session is coming up on Friday, April 16, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Participants will share resources on different DEI topics and discuss with the group. Email Dan Brown, Alliance Public Engagement Director, at dan@vecaa.org to register. | | | | Farm to School Vision Grant – Applications Open 4/15 Applications for the Farm to School Vision Grant, a new grant opportunity offered by the Agency of Agriculture, open this Thursday, April 15. This two-year grant, with a maximum award of $38,000, is open to Vermont schools and licensed and/or registered childcare providers. Successful applicants will be required to provide a match equal to 25 percent of the total grant award, either monetarily or in in-kind services, or a combination of both. For more information on program background, eligibility, and how to apply, visit the Agency of Agriculture’s 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. | | | | | | | | | |
