Highlights from ECDL 2024

Over 150 early childhood professionals and providers, parents, employers, and business owners came together for Early Childhood Day at the Legislature (ECDL) on April 10, 2024, at the Capitol Plaza Hotel and Vermont State House. As usual the highlight of the Day was the lunch with legislators, with 54 participating legislators hearing directly from members of the state’s early childhood community on issues currently being considered in the State House. 

Continue reading for photos and a recap of the Day and remember to save the date for the 31st annual ECDL on Wednesday, March 12, 2025!

This inspiring annual day of advocacy, education, and networking was hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance and sponsored by 16 funders, agencies, organizations, providers, and businesses. 

The Day began in the State House cafeteria, where advocates used the opportunity to talk with legislators about early childhood issues over coffee.

This year's event marked the 30th annual day of advocacy, education, and networking. Rep. Ashley Bartley kicked off the day with inspirational remarks. She thanked advocates for being engaged, and encouraged participants to raise their voices which she said were critical in shaping decisions made by legislators.

The Day included issue workshops facilitated by the lead organizations on the Alliance’s Legislative Agenda. The Governor's Ballroom at Capitol Plaza was packed for lunch, when early childhood stakeholders spoke directly with policy makers about key issues from the Alliance's 2024 Legislative Agenda, such as: high-quality, affordable child care; paid leave; emergency and affordable housing; and funding for Vermont 211 and Parent Child Centers, among other issues.

After lunch, students from the Turtle Island Children’s Center sang in front of the House Chamber and Representative Brumsted acknowledged advocates for their important work. Reps. McFaun and Branagan also welcomed members of their families who were attendees at ECDL.

Then, advocates returned to the Capitol Plaza for afternoon sessions on topics such as the building blocks of advocacy, the business health of child care, and utilizing farm to early childhood programming in classrooms. 

We are grateful to all Vermont's advocates for lending their voice towards policy change and for their important work on behalf of Vermont’s children and families! 

Thank you to everyone who was part of this wonderful event this year. We look forward to seeing you again next year. 

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