|  | Alliance Equity Discussion – Considering Equity and Inclusion in your Organizational Holiday/Leave Policy – 5/16 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 16, at 1:00 pm. Our discussion this month will be focused on how to develop and implement equitable and inclusive holiday/leave personnel policies. Some readers will recall we had a session on this topic last year, and we’re holding one again in response to requests for more discussion and sharing. This time we’ll be led by Lynn Burgess, the Administrative Manager at the Vermont Community Loan Fund, and Cecelia Puleio, a Teacher Mentor at the Montpelier Children’s House. Register on Zoom to receive the meeting link. | | |  | BBF Experience Survey – Closes 5/9 Building Bright Futures (BBF) is seeking feedback on community members’ experiences with the BBF State Advisory Council, one of their Regional Councils, a VECAP Committee, or with BBF as an organization during the past year. For more information and to fill out the survey, visit the BBF website. | | |  | Alliance Annual Membership Meeting – 5/28 Join early childhood advocates and policy leaders from around the state on the afternoon of May 28 at the Montshire Musuem 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 2025 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 Aly Richards, CEO of LGK, on the organization’s continuing work and transition as their end date approaches, and
- A discussion with Rep. Emilie Kornheiser, Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, about the Legislature’s ongoing consideration of potential cuts in federal funding
The Meeting concludes with a social hour and an opportunity to network with other members of the early childhood community. 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 taylor@vecaa.org with any questions. | | |  | Landon Innovation Awards – Applications Due 6/4 The Turrell Fund’s annual S. Whitney Landon Awards recognize and applaud early childhood programs in Vermont that employ exemplary practices, and that include innovative approaches for promoting child and family well‐being that can be replicated to broaden impact. As in past years, this year’s total grant pool is $30,000. Applicants may request up to $5,000. The online application process will be managed by the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation. More information and how to apply for this year’s Award can be found on the Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation website. The application is open until June 4. | | |  | VTAEYC Hosts Celebration of Advocacy & Leadership – 6/25 The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is hosting “A Celebration of Advocacy & Leadership”, on June 25 from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This event recognizes the extraordinary early childhood advocates and leaders whose tireless efforts have helped secure recent legislative victories and momentum to Advance ECE as a Recognized Profession and the continued progress ensuring access to high quality, affordable child care for Vermont families. For more information and to register, visit the VTAEYC 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. | | | | 7 School Street | Montpelier , Vermont 05602 vecaa.org The Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance is a program of the Vermont Community Loan Fund. | | | | | | | |