Alliance Monthly Equity Discussion – “Why DEIJ Matters and Resources to Support the Work” – 4/18  

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 will be held
on Friday, April 18, at 1:00 pm.  

The discussion will be led by Prof. Kaitlin Northey, Assistant Professor of Early Childhood Education at UVM. Our focus will be why Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) matters when teaching children aged 0 to 8, and what resources are available that can support the work.  

Prof. Northey will share her thoughts about the constraints and concerns that may affect people differently based on identity, setting, and state, and the value of thinking proactively about how to implement best practice techniques and strategies.

Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link.

Preschool Statewide Network Meeting – 4/17

The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is hosting a Preschool Statewide Network Meeting on April 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Zoom. This is a meeting for preschool educators to come together to discuss current needs, trends, updates, and information based on the group's needs. Christine Hertz Hausman, the facilitator, will guide discussions, content, and may bring in outside speakers or trainers.

To join the network and receive the meeting link, visit the VTAEYC website.

Vermont 211 Launches New Online Directory

Vermont’s comprehensive statewide information and referral resource recently launched a new, user-friendly online directory. 

Vermont 211’s search tool (https://search.vermont211.org/) provides quick access to information about its most commonly requested services and resources. You can use this resource to find connections to child care, free community meals, free tax preparation, crisis hotlines, rent assistance, health care, job training, legal help, state benefits, and much more.

You can find additional resources on the 211 homepage.

Hunger Free VT Asking for Stories

Hunger Free Vermont is collecting stories from Vermonters that they can share with the federal delegation and with elected officials across the state. Whether you are experiencing hunger or know someone who is, or your work is tied to federal grants or funding that are left hanging in the uncertainty of these times – they want to hear from you.

To share your story, visit the Hunger Action Center website and scroll to the bottom of the page to find the form.

Join the Alliance

Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) was a huge success this last month, with over 200 attendees and 55 legislators coming together to discuss early childhood issues, attend workshops on current topics, and network and exchange information. You can read more about the Day and review some of the session slides and resources on the ECDL website.

We are looking forward to our upcoming Annual Membership Meeting on May 28 at the Montshire Musuem of Science in Norwich, VT. More information about registration will be released in the coming weeks. 

Now is a great time to join or renew your membership with the Alliance! Joining as an Individual Member is free and only takes five minutes. Find more information about our membership levels and join on our membership website.