This Issue Update newsletter is part of a series that provides more information on each priority issue on the Alliance's 2023 Legislative Agenda. The Legislative Agenda is crafted annually in partnership with early childhood organizations that are advancing legislative policy solutions related to health, safety, food security, economic security, and early care and education. The nine priority issues were selected by the Alliance's 21 member Steering Committee.

 
 

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.
 
 

Lead Organizations

Let’s Grow Kids

Known for their transformational social mission and family-friendly policies, Let’s Grow Kids staff, board of directors, and volunteers include state government leaders, national nonprofit directors, business executives, marketers, grassroots organizers, and early childhood educators and administrators with proven successes creating social transformation, advocating for policy change, and upgrading Vermont’s child care system. 

 

Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children

The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children advances equity and excellence in early childhood education with early childhood educators as their foundation. As a membership organization, they provide resources and advocate for policies that move early childhood education forward now and for the future.

 

Resources and Advocacy Tools

 

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.

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

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