Free Meal Access for Child Care Through Reopening Transition

Throughout the month of June, child care centers can work with local school districts to receive free school meals for enrolled children.

School Districts and Supervisory Unions are currently providing free school meals for ​all​ children 0-18 through temporary program extensions. Hunger Free Vermont has shared a flyer with more information. Contact Keely Agan at kagan@hungerfreevt.org with any questions.

Child Development Division Update

On May 21, the Vermont Child Development Division released information about child care licensing, accessing supplies, and keeping children safe from abuse and neglect. The update included links to an FAQ document, a fact sheet, and other guidance. This information and all other recent updates from the CDD can be accessed on their blog.

Upcoming Digital Events

• What about that billion dollars? COVID-19 Relief Fund “Asks” from the Early Childhood Community

Hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance

Tuesday, June 9, 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

As part of the continuing discussions on COVID-19 response and early childhood, the Alliance is excited to host an upcoming webinar on the COVID-19 Relief Fund. This webinar will provide an overview of the COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Vermont Legislature’s process for distributing these funds, and spending proposals from the early childhood community. Stay tuned for more details! Register online.

• Communication in a Pandemic – Reopening and Operating Under Covid-19 for Child Care Providers

Hosted by the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance, the Vermont Community Loan Fund, and Elise Annes of Momentum Communication

Wednesday, June 3, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Wednesday, June 10, 10:00 am – 11:30 am

Join us for a 2-part series on communication under COVID-19 for early care and learning providers. Find more details and register online. To learn more about the Vermont Community Loan Fund and sign up for their newsletter, visit their website.

• Virtual Forum with Representative Peter Welch

Hosted by Vermont Afterschool

Friday, May 29, 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Vermont Afterschool is hosting a virtual forum for the afterschool, summer, and youth-serving field with Representative Peter Welch. The forum will include a panel discussion with afterschool professionals facilitated by Vermont Afterschool Executive Director Holly Morehouse, followed by a Q&A with Representative Welch. Register online.

• Vermont Early Childhood Forum on Mental Health: Tools for Professionals to Support Children through Transitions During the Coronavirus Crisis

Hosted by Building Bright Futures in partnership with the Vermont Department of Mental Health

Thursday, June 4, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

The upcoming Early Childhood Forum on Mental Health will feature a panel of mental health experts and include resources on stress and trauma in children, how to create workforce well-being for providers, steps programs can take to support children and families through transitions, stories, and a Q&A period. You may submit a question in advance and register online.