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Yesterday at their September meeting, the Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council members heard from Barbara Cimaglio, Deputy Commissioner, VT Department of Health, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Program and BBF Regional Coordinators Dawn Powers (Caledonia & Southern Essex Building Bright Futures) and Robin Stomgren (Bennington Building Bright Futures) about the impact of the substance use and opiate epidemic upon Vermont's children and families. Kathleen Paterson of BBF's Vermont Insights, shared data snapshots on the trends of opiate use, (and alcohol and tobacco use) in the general population, treatment and recovery data, and child, parent and family well-being outcomes. The State Advisory Council will revisit this crucial topic at their November 2016 meeting.
Welcome to the newest member of our State Advisory Council, Chloe Learey! Chloe has been the Executive Director of the Winston Prouty Center for Child Development since July 2007, and was a “Prouty Parent” for 5 years previously. She graduated from Boston University in 2000 with a dual degree MBA/ MPH, focusing on Healthcare Management. After 2 years working at the Brattleboro Retreat as a Data Analyst she became Director of Operations at Monadnock Developmental Services in Keene, NH. She is dedicated to creating communities where everyone is valued and has a chance to develop and contribute their gifts. Visit our website for more information about the BBF State Advisory Council: buildingbrightfutures.org/governance/state-advisory-council/
Ann Dillenbeck, Dawn Powers and 14 others like this
Do you use sign language with your baby? Here's an interesting article about the benefits of using sign language with hearing as well as non-hearing children.
Long before they're capable of the spoken word, babies naturally use gestures to communicate. In our latest guest blog, a local speech language pathologist and early childhood special educator writes ...
About 1 of every 5 (17%) children in the United States has obesity and certain groups of children are more affected than others, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month. Visit the CDC website to learn about ways to prevent and address this serious health concern: www.cdc.gov/features/childhoodobesity/
Upcoming Events
Statewide Events
Sep 29
Early Head Start Play Group – St. Johnsbury
Tuesdays 9:30- 11 Thursdays 9:30-11
NEKCA: Parent Child Center
115 Lincoln Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802) 748-6040
Sep 29
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting. Playgroups do not meet when school is not in session. For more information, please contact Essex BBF town coordinator Danielle 802-272-6509, bbfessexvt@gmail.com
Sep 29
Play groups provide an opportunity for parents and their children (ages birth – 5 years) to meet new friends, share experiences, receive support and just have fun! A Milton Family Community Center staff member facilitates all play groups that include open-ended activities in an inviting and enriching environment. Play groups are open to everyone at no cost. Playgroups follow the Milton Town School District Calendar and are not held during school vacations.
Contact: Sara Robinson at Milton Family Center at 893–1457
Sep 29
Story hour at
Avrin A. Brown Library in Richford
Wednesday 9:30-10:30
I am the contact person, Elyse Perambo, richfordbbf@gmail.com
Sep 29
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Meet at Jaycee Park next to Leo O’Brien Civic Center during September. Look for new indoor location coming soon.
For more information, please contact South Burlington BBF town coordinator Colleen 802-489-0410 or SBurlFC@gmail.com.
Sep 29
Come and enjoy an open gym, balls games and a bounce house when 5 or 6 children come. No need to RSVP just show up! Sometimes the bounce house is set up for extra fun!
Regional Highlights
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Franklin Grand Isle – Playgroups & Events
Sep 29
Story hour at
Avrin A. Brown Library in Richford
Wednesday 9:30-10:30
I am the contact person, Elyse Perambo, richfordbbf@gmail.com
Sep 29
Story Time & Playgroup meets at the Montgomery Library Thursday from 10:00-11:30 am.
Sep 30
9:00-10:00 Every Other Friday starting October 2 in the BFA Fairfax Pre-School Classroom
Oct 1
Open Tot Gym/ Infant and Parent Playtime
9:00-10:30 Saturday Mornings beginning on November 7
In the BFA-Fairfax Elementary Gym
Regional Highlights
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Orleans & Northern Essex – Playgroups & Events
Sep 30
Attend Story Hour at the Glover Library at 10:00 am on Fridays
Oct 3
Visit the Jones Memorial Library for Story Hour on Monday at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm
Oct 4
Visit the Dailey Memorial Library for Story Hour on Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Oct 5
Visit the Goodrich Memorial Library for a Preschool Story Hour every Wednesday at 10:30
Oct 5
Attend Story Hour at the Barton Library at 11:00 am or 4:00 pm on Wednesdays.
Regional Highlights
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Chittenden – Playgroups & Events
Sep 29
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting. Playgroups do not meet when school is not in session. For more information, please contact Essex BBF town coordinator Danielle 802-272-6509, bbfessexvt@gmail.com
Sep 29
Play groups provide an opportunity for parents and their children (ages birth – 5 years) to meet new friends, share experiences, receive support and just have fun! A Milton Family Community Center staff member facilitates all play groups that include open-ended activities in an inviting and enriching environment. Play groups are open to everyone at no cost. Playgroups follow the Milton Town School District Calendar and are not held during school vacations.
Contact: Sara Robinson at Milton Family Center at 893–1457
Sep 29
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Meet at Jaycee Park next to Leo O’Brien Civic Center during September. Look for new indoor location coming soon.
For more information, please contact South Burlington BBF town coordinator Colleen 802-489-0410 or SBurlFC@gmail.com.
Sep 29
The Winooski Family Center hosts free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
For children ages 0-5 years and a caregiver.
Playgroups do not meet when school is not in session.
For more information, please contact Winooski BBF town coordinator Karen 655-1422, karenp@howardcenter.org
Sep 29
Playgroup for babies 0-18 months. We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Meet in the parish hall at the Hinesburg United Church.
Playgroups do not meet when school is not in session.
For more information or directions, please contact Hinesburg town coordinator Rachel hinesburgfof@gmail.com
Regional Highlights
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Lamoille Valley – Playgroups & Events
Oct 6
A playgroup for the youngest members of our community and their parents; come play, socialize and make new friends while learning about developmental expectations and needs for your child. A local specialist in child health will be available at the groups as a resource. The groups are free and no registration is required – just attend any or all of the groups listed:
- 1st Thursday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Playroom, 30 Fairgrounds Plaza, in Lamoille Valley
- 2nd Saturday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Lamoille Family Center in Lamoille Valley
- 4th Tuesday of each month @ 10 – 11:30 am @ the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson
Oct 8
A playgroup for the youngest members of our community and their parents; come play, socialize and make new friends while learning about developmental expectations and needs for your child. A local specialist in child health will be available at the groups as a resource. The groups are free and no registration is required – just attend any or all of the groups listed:
- 1st Thursday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Playroom, 30 Fairgrounds Plaza, in Lamoille Valley
- 2nd Saturday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Lamoille Family Center in Lamoille Valley
- 4th Tuesday of each month @ 10 – 11:30 am @ the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson
Nov 3
A playgroup for the youngest members of our community and their parents; come play, socialize and make new friends while learning about developmental expectations and needs for your child. A local specialist in child health will be available at the groups as a resource. The groups are free and no registration is required – just attend any or all of the groups listed:
- 1st Thursday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Playroom, 30 Fairgrounds Plaza, in Lamoille Valley
- 2nd Saturday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Lamoille Family Center in Lamoille Valley
- 4th Tuesday of each month @ 10 – 11:30 am @ the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson
Nov 12
A playgroup for the youngest members of our community and their parents; come play, socialize and make new friends while learning about developmental expectations and needs for your child. A local specialist in child health will be available at the groups as a resource. The groups are free and no registration is required – just attend any or all of the groups listed:
- 1st Thursday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Playroom, 30 Fairgrounds Plaza, in Lamoille Valley
- 2nd Saturday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Lamoille Family Center in Lamoille Valley
- 4th Tuesday of each month @ 10 – 11:30 am @ the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson
Dec 1
A playgroup for the youngest members of our community and their parents; come play, socialize and make new friends while learning about developmental expectations and needs for your child. A local specialist in child health will be available at the groups as a resource. The groups are free and no registration is required – just attend any or all of the groups listed:
- 1st Thursday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Playroom, 30 Fairgrounds Plaza, in Lamoille Valley
- 2nd Saturday of each month @ 10 –11:30 am @ the Lamoille Family Center in Lamoille Valley
- 4th Tuesday of each month @ 10 – 11:30 am @ the Church of the Nazarene in Johnson
Regional Highlights
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Caledonia & Southern Essex – Playgroups & Events
Sep 29
Early Head Start Play Group – St. Johnsbury
Tuesdays 9:30- 11 Thursdays 9:30-11
NEKCA: Parent Child Center
115 Lincoln Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802) 748-6040
Sep 30
St. Johnsbury Story Time
St. Johnsbury Athenaeum -Children’s Library
Fridays @ 10:30AM ( Birth to age 4)
1302 Main Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802) 748-8291
Read Books Online: http://en.childrenslibrary.org/
Oct 1
Barnet Public Library
Saturdays 10:30-11:30 am (stories and craft)
147 Church Street, Barnet, VT
Phone: (802) 633-4436
Website: http://barnetpubliclibrary.com/
Oct 4
Early Head Start Play Group – St. Johnsbury
Tuesdays 9:30- 11 Thursdays 9:30-11
NEKCA: Parent Child Center
115 Lincoln Street
St. Johnsbury, VT 05819
(802) 748-6040
Oct 4
Lyndonville Story Time
Cobleigh Public Library
Tuesdays 10:00 am (Birth- Age 5)
Wednesdays 10:30 am (Birth -Age 5)
14 Depot Street
Lyndonville, VT 05851
(802) 626-5475
Website: http://cobleighlibrary.org/main/
Regional Highlights
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Addison Region – Playgroups & Events
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Central Vermont – Playgroups & Events
Oct 5
Join us for story time and playgroup! Story time with Sylvia begins at 10 and is followed by playgroup with Cassie at 10:30. Free and open to families with children under 6 years. Sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. For more information, contact Susan Green at (802) 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Oct 12
Join us for story time and playgroup! Story time with Sylvia begins at 10 and is followed by playgroup with Cassie at 10:30. Free and open to families with children under 6 years. Sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. For more information, contact Susan Green at (802) 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Oct 19
Join us for story time and playgroup! Story time with Sylvia begins at 10 and is followed by playgroup with Cassie at 10:30. Free and open to families with children under 6 years. Sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. For more information, contact Susan Green at (802) 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Oct 26
Join us for story time and playgroup! Story time with Sylvia begins at 10 and is followed by playgroup with Cassie at 10:30. Free and open to families with children under 6 years. Sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. For more information, contact Susan Green at (802) 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Nov 2
Join us for story time and playgroup! Story time with Sylvia begins at 10 and is followed by playgroup with Cassie at 10:30. Free and open to families with children under 6 years. Sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. For more information, contact Susan Green at (802) 426-3581 or jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com
Regional Highlights
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Northern Windsor & Orange – Playgroups & Events
Sep 30
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives as well as a snack. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Playgroups that are held in schools ARE NOT held when school is not in session.
For more information or directions, please call Orange County Parent Child Center (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264
Oct 3
Playgroups are FREE and open to all parents and caregivers with children ages birth to five (unless otherwise noted). Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Please be aware that Playgroups do not meet if the Hartford School District is closed due to inclement weather.
For questions about playgroup, contact The Family Place Parent Child Center ( 802)649-3268 or Toll Free 1-800-639-0039
Oct 3
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives as well as a snack. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Playgroups that are held in schools ARE NOT held when school is not in session.
For more information or directions, please call Orange County Parent Child Center (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264
Oct 4
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives as well as a snack. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Playgroups that are held in schools ARE NOT held when school is not in session.
For more information and directions call the Orange County Parent Child Center for more information or directions at (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264.
Oct 4
We facilitate free, weekly playgroups for families and caregivers with children birth to age five and provide large and small motor activities, crafts, stories, and manipulatives as well as a snack. Playgroups are a great way for connect with other families, find out about other resources in the area, and begin conversations about child development and parenting.
Playgroups that are held in schools ARE NOT held when school is not in session.
For more information or directions, please contact Orange County Parent Child Center (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264
Regional Highlights
Visit your Region for more Information. Resources, Publications, Events & More!
Rutland – Playgroups & Events
Sep 29
Free playgroup for children accompanied by parent or caregiver. It is sponsored by the Rutland County Parent Child Center. Children have the opportunity socialize and learn with other children while listening to songs, dancing, playing with educational toys and participating in creative projects.
Parents and other caregivers make new friends, reduce isolation, and share ideas ,experiences, and learn from other parents/caregivers.
Contact: Lynn Gould-lynn.gould@rcpcc.org
Sep 30
Free playgroup for children accompanied by parent or caregiver. It is sponsored by the Rutland County Parent Child Center. Children have the opportunity socialize and learn with other children while listening to songs, dancing, playing with educational toys and participating in creative projects.
Parents and other caregivers make new friends, reduce isolation, and share ideas ,experiences, and learn from other parents/caregivers.
Contact: Lynn Gould-lynn.gould@rcpcc.org
Oct 4
Free playgroup for children accompanied by parent or caregiver. It is sponsored by the Rutland County Parent Child Center. Children have the opportunity socialize and learn with other children while listening to songs, dancing, playing with educational toys and participating in creative projects.
Parents and other caregivers make new friends, reduce isolation, and share ideas ,experiences, and learn from other parents/caregivers.
Contact: Lynn Gould-lynn.gould@rcpcc.org
Oct 5
Free playgroup for children accompanied by parent or caregiver. It is sponsored by the Rutland County Parent Child Center. Children have the opportunity socialize and learn with other children while listening to songs, dancing, playing with educational toys and participating in creative projects.
Parents and other caregivers make new friends, reduce isolation, and share ideas ,experiences, and learn from other parents/caregivers.
Contact: Lynn Gould-lynn.gould@rcpcc.org
Oct 6
Free playgroup for children accompanied by parent or caregiver. It is sponsored by the Rutland County Parent Child Center. Children have the opportunity socialize and learn with other children while listening to songs, dancing, playing with educational toys and participating in creative projects.
Parents and other caregivers make new friends, reduce isolation, and share ideas ,experiences, and learn from other parents/caregivers.
Contact: Lynn Gould-lynn.gould@rcpcc.org
Regional Highlights
Visit your Region for more Information. Resources, Publications, Events & More!
Springfield Area – Playgroups & Events
Sep 29
Come and enjoy an open gym, balls games and a bounce house when 5 or 6 children come. No need to RSVP just show up! Sometimes the bounce house is set up for extra fun!
Sep 30
Come to playgroup with your children at the Parks and Recreation Department.
Sep 30
Come and listen to a story ever Friday with your children. Call 802-875-2277 for more information.
Oct 1
Come join us for story time with your friends! Call (802) 674-2863 for more information
Oct 3
Parents and Caregivers with infants, toddlers, and preschoolers are invited to spend a morning in the Library’s playroom every Monday morning.
Regional Highlights
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Bennington – Playgroups & Events
Sep 30
Playgroup at Bennington Early Childhood Center
Harwood Hill Bennington
Contact Alyson at 447-1093
Oct 3
Monday Playgroup at Bennington Free Library
Open to all children and families infants to age 6
Sponsored by SVMC, BBF and Early Intervention
10:30 to noon
Oct 3
Bennington Free Library Playgroup
Hosted by SVMC- EI
Contact Jennie at 447-2768
Regional Highlights
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Southeast Vermont – Playgroups & Events
Sep 30
Playgroups for parents and their children up to five years of age are offered weekly for any family in Windham County. Currently groups are offered in Brattleboro, Whitingham, Wilmington and Townshend. This 1 and 1/2 hour group offers opportunities for children to play with other infants, toddlers and preschoolers and for parents to meet other parents as well. Each group is facilitated by a coordinator who provides a light snack and depending on the interests of the group, a small activity.
Playgroup Schedule for Brattleboro
Fridays at EES in Brattleboro 9:30-11:00 AM
Sep 30
Playgroups for parents and their children up to five years of age are offered weekly for any family in Windham County. Currently groups are offered in Brattleboro, Whitingham, Wilmington and Townshend. This 1 and 1/2 hour group offers opportunities for children to play with other infants, toddlers and preschoolers and for parents to meet other parents as well. Each group is facilitated by a coordinator who provides a light snack and depending on the interests of the group, a small activity.
Playgroup Schedule for Whitingham
Tuesdays at the Whitingham Free Public Library at the Jacksonville Municipal Center 10:00-11:30 AM
Fridays at the Whitingham Pettee Memorial Library 10:00-11:30 AM
Oct 3
*Events may change without notice, please call the phone number listed to get current info. MONDAYS: Jacksonville – Whitingham Free Library,Toddler and Preschool Rhyme & Story Time,10:30, 802-368-7506
Oct 3
Events may change without notice, please call the phone number listed to get current info. MONDAYS: Westminster- Westminster Center School, Early Childhood Playgroup and Open Gym, (ages 0-5), 9-10:00 AM, for more information. contact Annie Briccetti at 802-387-6689 or abricce@wnesu.net
Oct 3
Events may change without notice, please call the phone number listed to get current info. MONDAYS: Wilmington- Pettee Memorial Library, Storyhour, 10:30am, contact Helena Queenie at 802-464-8557.
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Building Bright Futures is pleased to welcome Chloe Learey as the newest State […]
Caledonia & Southern Essex Building Bright Futures, Robyn Maguire and 3 others like this
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