Alliance Annual Membership Meeting (and LG Candidate Forum) – 6/4 Join early childhood advocates and policy leaders from around the state on the afternoon of June 4 at the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich for the Alliance’s Annual Membership Meeting. The event starts at 12:30 pm with registration, followed by workshops on the results of Alliance’s 2026 Legislative Agenda and an information session for new Alliance members. The Meeting will also feature elections for seats on the Alliance Steering Committee. The Meeting program will feature two important, timely conversations: - Comments from the staff of Rep. Becca Balint about the status of work on the next federal budget, which is scheduled to take effect on October 1, and
- A Lieutenant Governor candidate forum.
We are excited that all four declared candidates for Lt. Gov. are planning to attend the forum. The Meeting concludes with a social hour and an opportunity to network with other members of the early childhood community. Download a PDF of the Meeting agenda here. For more information and to register, visit our website. Join the Alliance or renew your membership on our website. Contact Taylor Hughey, Alliance Outreach Manager, at [email protected] with any questions. | |
VTAEYC/LGKAN Legislative Session Recap – 5/27 The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) and Let’s Grow Kids Action Network (LGKAN) will be hosting a Child Care Campaign Update: Legislative Session Recap on May 27 at 1:00 pm. They’ll provide updates on key elements of their 2026 Child Care Agenda, including child care funding in the FY27 State Budget, the Early Childhood Educator Profession Bill, and much more. Register here to receive the meeting link. | |
Alliance Equity Discussion – “Caring for and Protecting Marginalized Children: Honesty, Accountability, and Partnership” – 5/29 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, and the next session is coming up on Friday, May 29, at 1:00 pm. Due to popular demand, this month we will once again feature the innovative work of Tessa Dearborn and her colleagues at Red Cover Children’s Center in Middlebury. A number of folks let us know they were unable to attend last month’s session, and we hope more will be able to join us later this month for a conversation that is sure to be both timely and thought-provoking. Our discussion will focus on what it means to care for and protect marginalized children, particularly immigrant children and children of color, within early childhood settings. Together, we will explore the differences in how children experience care, the real impact of those differences, and how we as educators can show up with greater awareness, intention, and accountability. This conversation will also center how we partner with families in honest and collaborative ways—recognizing both where we are doing well and where growth is needed to ensure all children are safe, valued, and truly seen. Our discussion will be led by Tessa Dearborn, Executive Director of Red Clover Children’s Center and 2025 Equity x Young Children Fellow with VT AEYC, whose work focuses on transforming awareness of bias and privilege into meaningful, accountable practice. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | |
VTAEYC Accepting Nominations for Awards Each year, the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) honors exceptional early childhood educators and allied professionals for their commitment. The awards are presented during their annual conference. VTAEYC is seeking nominations for five awards this year. For more information on each award and to nominate someone, visit the VTAEYC website. | |
LGKAN is Hiring Let’s Grow Kids Action Network (LGKAN) is hiring a Community Organizing Manager who will build and lead the field infrastructure that turns public support for child care into political action. The role will design the statewide engagement strategy, manage a growing network of deeply invested community members, and serve as a key connector between LGKAN’s senior team and the Vermonters whose lives depend on the outcome of this campaign. For more information and to apply, visit the LGKAN website. | |
