Transforming Child Care

This legislative session, Vermonters are counting on lawmakers and our Governor to pass legislation that provides a comprehensive and equitable solution to the child care crisis. The solution must include ongoing and long-term public investment to ensure every child who needs it has access to quality child care; families spend no more than 10% of their income on child care; and early childhood educators are fairly compensated. The solution must also improve the state’s child care governance structure by creating a single empowered state entity to oversee the child care system. Additionally, state leaders must keep their focus on equity and accessibility, so that every child has access to care regardless of zip code, ability, racial or ethnic background, health needs, or family composition.

The long-awaited Early Care and Education Financing Study final report was released on January 17. The study describes a direct path forward this session to create a quality, affordable child care system through long-term public investment. The cost estimate, funding sources for consideration, and estimated economic impact outlined in the report all affirm that this is a solvable problem and that an investment in Vermont’s child care system will make our state more affordable for everyone.

A child care bill is been drafted by legislative leaders and we are eagerly awaiting its introduction. Meanwhile, legislative committees have been busy talking about child care. Senate Economic Development, Housing, and General Affairs heard powerful testimony from 10 business leaders – click here to view their compelling testimony. House Commerce and Economic Development had a lively chat with LGK CEO Aly Richards and Michele Asch (Twincraft Skincare).

Six House and Senate committees had the opportunity to learn more about the Early Care and Education Financing Study from the RAND Corporation, the researchers who conducted the study.

Last week the Governor delivered his fiscal year 2024 budget, in which he proposes an additional $48 million in base funding for child care. This proposal would make an important jumpstart towards the $279 million needed to fully solve Vermont’s child care crisis as identified by independent experts from the RAND Corporation.

Data and Talking Points

• 3 out of 5 of Vermont’s youngest children don’t have access to the child care they need. Those who do often cannot afford it – middle-income families with two parents and two young children are spending as much as 30% of their income on child care, even with financial assistance from the state.
• 85% of center-based child care programs in Vermont report experiencing staffing shortages.
• In 2023, the Vermont Legislature must act by passing a bill that includes long-term public investment to fully address the child care crisis, so that every child has access to quality child care, families spend no more than 10% of their income on child care, and early childhood educators are fairly compensated and supported.

Resources and Advocacy Tools

• 2023 Legislative Agenda One-Pager
• 2023 Legislative Agenda White Paper
• Vermont Child Care and Early Childhood Education Systems Analysis Final Report
• Vermont Early Care and Education Financing Study Report
• Contact your lawmakers and ask them to solve the child care crisis in 2023