What's New
Building Bright Futures shared a link.
The Early Childhood Data Collaborative
ecedata.org
Vermont has built a comprehensive early childhood system over the past two decades with a focus on enhancing outcomes for children, families and communities through improved program quality, service c...
VT CHILD CARE NEWS: The challenges in finding high-quality, affordable child care were tackled Monday by Lamoille County legislators and leaders of nonprofits and community social service groups.
The legislative breakfast took place at the Playroom in Morrisville, a drop-in playroom for children up to age 6 sponsored by Building Bright Futures.
www.stowetoday.com/stowe_reporter/news/local_news/legislators-doubt-money-s-available-to-solve-ch...
Legislators doubt money’s available to solve child care
stowetoday.com
The challenges in finding high-quality, affordable child care were tackled Monday by Lamoille County legislators and leaders of nonprofits and community social service groups.
Debra McLaughlin, Frank S. Perotti Jr and 2 others like this
Steve AmesA comment by Sonja Raymond here is really significant: That investing in quality childcare will save money in the future. Man is that the truth. Some of our largest expenses as taxpayers are in special education, wrap around care through the school system, and in corrections. There are positive causal relationships with lower costs in those areas and enhanced investment in early care.3 days ago · 1
NEW FROM BBF: How children benefit from family friendly work policies
buildingbrightfutures.org/how-children-benefit-from-family-friendly-work-policies/
Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States
KIDS COUNT Data Snapshot
www.aecf.org/resources/measuring-access-to-opportunity-in-the-united-states/?utm_source=twitter.c...
Measuring Access to Opportunity in the United States - The Annie E. Casey Foundation
aecf.org
This KIDS COUNT data snapshot illustrates how outdated methods measuring poverty in the United States are giving an inaccurate picture of how families are really faring and what public programs are ac...
Steve Ames and Frank S. Perotti Jr like this
REPORT: Young immigrants and dual language learners: Participation in pre-K and Kindergarten entry gaps
preschoolmatters.org/2015/02/18/young-immigrants-and-dual-language-learners-participation-in-pre-...
Young immigrants and dual language learners: Participation in pre-K and Kindergarten entry gaps
preschoolmatters.org
In a recent webinar, NIEER discussed what it means to be Hispanic and a DLL (a dual language learner) or Hispanic and come from a home with immigrant parents. We showed that Hispanic children, DLLs...
BBF Upcoming Events
Statewide – Playgroups & Events
Jacksonville StoryTime
Mar 2
*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
Canaan Library Playgroup
Mar 2
Dates are subject to change, please contact (802) 266-7135 for more information.
Hartford Area Playgroup (Birth to 5yrs)
Mar 2
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
Playgroup Burlington
Mar 2
The Miller Center hosts the Burlington Playgroup on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-10:30 a.m. (gym time is 9:00- 10:00 a.m.) open to children birth to age 5.
Beth 578-6471
VNA Family Room Burlington
Mar 2
VNA Family Room 862–2121 or 860–4420 St. Joseph’s School (20 Allen Street) For current information on Family Room offerings click on link:
http://www.vnacares.org/health-care-services/family-childrens-services/family-room
West Fairlee Playgroup
Mar 2
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
Regional Highlights
Continue to Franklin Grand Isle >>
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Franklin Grande Isle – Playgroups & Events
Richford Playgroup
Mar 2
For more information: Please contact Elyse Perambo at richfordbbf@gmail.com
Swanton Playgroup Mondays
Mar 2
For more information: Please contact Diana Fackler at (802) 868-3033 or swantonbbf@gmail.com
Waterbabies Mondays
Mar 2
WATERBABIES NEW SCHEDULE!
Starts October 20th! October 22nd!
Once a week you may join our FREE Waterbabies program.
CHOOSE ONE DAY, EITHER: Mondays at 6 pm OR Wednesdays at 5:15pm.Pre-registration and proof of residency required for Franklin Grand Isle County Residents only.You may not attend twice a week.
Open to infants up to 2 years old only. One child to one adult required for safety reasons. If you have two infants and/or 2 yr. old, you must have another adult to attend with the other child. Swim diapers required. Branon’s Pool, Route 7, St.Albans. Thank you!
For more information: Please contact Branon’s Pool at (802) 527-7957
Fletcher Playgroup
Mar 3
For more information: Please contact Nancy Hurt at (802) 849-6251 or email fletcherbbf@gmail.com OR nhurt@fwsu.org
Georgia Playgroup
Mar 3
For more information: Please contact Diana Cribby at (802) 528-5470 or email Georgiabbf@gmail.com
Regional Highlights
Continue to Orleans Northern Essex >>
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Orleans & Northern Essex – Playgroups & Events
Canaan Library Playgroup
Mar 2
Dates are subject to change, please contact (802) 266-7135 for more information.
Playworld at Newport Municipal Building
Mar 2
Times & dates are subject to change, please contact (802) 334-6345 for more information.
Jones Memorial Library Story Time
Mar 2
Dates are subject to change, please contact (802) 754-6660 for more information.
Regional Council Meeting
Mar 2
Dates are subject to change, please contact our Regional Coordinator at scorriveau@buildingbrightfutures.org for more information.
Dailey Memorial Library Story Hour
Mar 3
Dates are subject to change, please contact (802) 766-5063 for more information.
Regional Highlights
Continue to Chittenden >>
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Chittenden – Playgroups & Events
Playgroup Burlington
Mar 2
The Miller Center hosts the Burlington Playgroup on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings from 9:00-10:30 a.m. (gym time is 9:00- 10:00 a.m.) open to children birth to age 5.
Beth 578-6471
VNA Family Room Burlington
Mar 2
VNA Family Room 862–2121 or 860–4420 St. Joseph’s School (20 Allen Street) For current information on Family Room offerings click on link:
http://www.vnacares.org/health-care-services/family-childrens-services/family-room
Playgroup Charlotte
Mar 2
Charlotte Central School hosts playgroup for children prenatal to age 5 years on Monday from 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Teressa 764-5820, teressatomsen@gmail.com
Playgroup South Burlington
Mar 2
Leo O’Brien Civic Center is the home of the South Burlington playgroups for children birth to 5 years on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings 9:30-11:00 a.m.
Colleen 489-0410, SBurlFC@gmail.com
Westford Playgroup
Mar 2
Birth to age 5. Mondays 9:30-11am. This playgroup follows the school calendar.
Danielle 876-7555, bbfessexvt@gmail.com
Regional Highlights
Continue to Lamoille Valley >>
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Lamoille Valley – Playgroups & Events
The Playroom is Open
Mar 3
The Playroom is a free, drop-in play space open to the public in Morrisville, VT. It’s a great place to come on a rainy or snowy day, to let your children explore new toys and meet new friends. Parents or care providers must remain with children at all times.
The Playroom is Open
Mar 5
The Playroom is a free, drop-in play space open to the public in Morrisville, VT. It’s a great place to come on a rainy or snowy day, to let your children explore new toys and meet new friends. Parents or care providers must remain with children at all times.
Baby Chat at the Playroom!
Mar 5
Baby Chat at the Playroom: 30 Fairgrounds Plaza in Morrisville – FREE
Bring your babies and talk about them! Led by Vicki Rich, RN, Lactation Consultant, Childbirth educator, and more.
Let your friends with babies know too; there’s nothing quite like being able to talk to other Moms, being able to ask questions, being able to change diapers together — to make you laugh!
For more information, call Steve at Building Bright Futures 802 279-7558 or Vicki Rich at (802) 888-3470 or email Steve at SAmes@buildingbrightfutures.org or Vicki at Vrich@lactationandbirthingsolutions.com
Please also follow the Lamoille Valley Building Bright Futures Facebook page here: www.facebook.com/BBFPlayroom
The Playroom is Open
Mar 6
The Playroom is a free, drop-in play space open to the public in Morrisville, VT. It’s a great place to come on a rainy or snowy day, to let your children explore new toys and meet new friends. Parents or care providers must remain with children at all times.
The Playroom is Open
Mar 10
The Playroom is a free, drop-in play space open to the public in Morrisville, VT. It’s a great place to come on a rainy or snowy day, to let your children explore new toys and meet new friends. Parents or care providers must remain with children at all times.
Regional Highlights
Continue to Caledonia Southern Essex >>
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Caledonia & Southern Essex – Playgroups & Events
No EventsRegional Highlights
Continue to Addison >>
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Addison Region – Playgroups & Events
Bridport Playgroup
Mar 3
Weekly playgroups turn church basements and other settings into fun and challenging environments where young children can interact with their peers, parents can learn from each other and staff is available to answer questions about child development and accessing community supports. Playgroups are free for children birth to six years and accompanying parents.
Strengthening Families
Mar 3
7 Tuesdays January 20th—March 3rd 6:30—8:30 pm
(Bad weather dates: March 10th and 17th)
We will start this series by attending part 1 of Robbin LaRue’s workshop on T. Jan. 6th
so we may view The Hungry Heart; participants are encouraged to attend part 2 of
Robbin’s workshop, but it is not required.
This series:
® Builds on family strengths, buffers risk, and promotes better outcomes for children.
® Builds on and can be integrated into existing programs, strategies, systems and
community opportunities.
® Can be implemented through small but significant changes in everyday actions.
® Is grounded in research, practice and implementation knowledge.
® Will give you the ability to apply for 3 points in the STARS Families and Communities
Arena
Using the Strengthening Families approach, programs and practitioners have altered their work
with children to provide everyday opportunities for families and to build protective factors
needed to nurture young children effectively. It’s about helping all families be the best they can
be, even under stress. And about helping children thrive. It’s about Strengthening Families.
Advanced Specialized Care CDA #4
Doumina Noonan, M.ED, Children’s Integrated Services Child Care Coordinator
Amethyst Peaslee, M.ED, Resource Development Specialist
This series is intended to be taken as a whole.
Contact Amethyst Peaslee, Resource Development Specialist 388-4304 to register
Physical Development—How to Support It & Red Flags to Watch Out For
Mar 5
Thursday March 5th & 12th 6:30– 8:30 pm
at Mary Johnson Children’s Center
An essential ingredient in providing developmentally appropriate care is a good understanding of
typical development and how to support it, as well as red flags which will let you know when development
may not be on track. Join Heidi Wilhelm, Physical Therapist, to gain a deeper understanding
of physical development, red flags, and common issues which are cause for a referral. Part I will
cover Infant/Toddler physical development; part 2 will cover ages 3—5 years. Bring your questions
and concerns.
Heidi Wilhelm, P. T Advanced Specialized Care CDA # 2
Caring for Ourselves, Caring for Others
Mar 7
March 7th 9 am—2 pm
Counseling Service of Addison County, 102 Catamount Park (off Exchange St.)
This day will provide you with information and strategies for supporting children and families struggling
with complex trauma as well as ways to use art materials, yoga and mindfulness to nurture and
support yourself as you nurture and support others. More details to come!
CDA #1,3,4,5 Advanced Specialized Care
Betsy Graziadei, Registered Art Therapist, and Deb Sherer, Trauma-informed Yoga teacher
Bridport Playgroup
Mar 10
Weekly playgroups turn church basements and other settings into fun and challenging environments where young children can interact with their peers, parents can learn from each other and staff is available to answer questions about child development and accessing community supports. Playgroups are free for children birth to six years and accompanying parents.
Regional Highlights
Continue to Central Vermont >>
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Central Vermont – Playgroups & Events
Twinfield Playgroup
Mar 2
Twinfield Playgroup at the Twinfield School in Plainfield
For more information, contact Becca at rebeccahohn@twinfield.net or 426-3213 x247
Barre City Playgroup
Mar 3
Barre City playgroup at the Universalist Church in Barre
For more information, contact Buffy at buffyb@fcwcvt.org or 262-3292
Free
The Children's Room Playgroup
Mar 3
The Children’s Room Playgroup at Thatcher Brook School in Waterbury.
Contact Anne at childrensroom@wwsu.org or 244-5605 for more information.
Free.
Northfield Playgroup
Mar 4
Northfield Playgroup at the United Church of Northfield.
Contact Buffy at buffyb@fcwcvt.org or 262-3292 for more information.
Free.
Jaquith Public Library Playgroup
Mar 4
Jaquith Public Library Playgroup in Marshfield.
Contact Susan at jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com or 426-3581 for more information.
Free.
Regional Highlights
Continue to Northern Windsor Orange >>
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Northern Windsor & Orange – Playgroups & Events
Hartford Area Playgroup (Birth to 5yrs)
Mar 2
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
West Fairlee Playgroup
Mar 2
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
Bradford Playgroup
Mar 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 and directions call the Orange County Parent Child Center for more information or directions at (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264.
Brookfield Playgroup
Mar 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 contact Orange County Parent Child Center (802) 685-2264 Toll Free: (888) 685-2264
Babies and Toddlers Playgroup
Mar 3
Playgroups are FREE and open to all parents and caregivers with children ages birth to 2yrs. 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 our playgroup, contact The Family Place Parent Child Center, 802-649-3268 or Toll Free 1-800-639-0039.
Regional Highlights
Continue to Rutland >>
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Rutland – Playgroups & Events
Middletown Springs Playgroup
Mar 2
Rutland County Parent Child Center playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Children have the opportunity to hear stories, read and play using story boxes. They 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, share joys, concerns, ideas, and other experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information contact (802) 775-7911 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Mount Holly Playgroup
Mar 3
Rutland County Parent Child Center Playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Playgroups help children gain a variety of valuable skills: Social and emotional: how to play and interact with other children and adults. Physical: Improve fine motor control through arts and crafts activities. Movement and dance improves health and large motor control. Cognitive: Discover more about their world, problem solving and improve reading and writing readiness through creative play and literary activities.
Parents and other caregivers can make new friends, reduce isolation, share joys, concerns, ideas, and experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information call (802) 775-9711 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Castleton Playgroup
Mar 4
Rutland County Parent Child Center Playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Playgroups help children gain a variety of valuable skills: Social and emotional: how to play and interact with other children and adults. Physical: Improve fine motor control through arts and crafts activities. Movement and dance improves health and large motor control. Cognitive: Discover more about their world, problem solving and improve reading and writing readiness through creative play and literary activities.
Parents and other caregivers can make new friends, reduce isolation, share joys, concerns, ideas, and experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information call (802) 775-9711 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Pittsford Playgroup
Mar 5
Rutland County Parent Child Center Playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Playgroups help children gain a variety of valuable skills: Social and emotional: how to play and interact with other children and adults. Physical: Improve fine motor control through arts and crafts activities. Movement and dance improves health and large motor control. Cognitive: Discover more about their world, problem solving and improve reading and writing readiness through creative play and literary activities.
Parents and other caregivers can make new friends, reduce isolation, share joys, concerns, ideas, and experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information call (802) 775-9711 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Rutland Library Playgroup
Mar 6
Rutland County Parent Child Center Playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Playgroups help children gain a variety of valuable skills: Social and emotional: how to play and interact with other children and adults. Physical: Improve fine motor control through arts and crafts activities. Movement and dance improves health and large motor control. Cognitive: Discover more about their world, problem solving and improve reading and writing readiness through creative play and literary activities.
Parents and other caregivers can make new friends, reduce isolation, share joys, concerns, ideas, and experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information call (802) 775-9711 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Middletown Springs Playgroup
Mar 9
Rutland County Parent Child Center playgroups are informal gatherings of families who share the common thread of wanting a supportive experience for their child. Children have the opportunity to hear stories, read and play using story boxes. They 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, share joys, concerns, ideas, and other experiences, and learn from other parents.
For more information contact (802) 775-7911 or visit www.rcpcc.org
Regional Highlights
Continue to Springfield Area >>
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Springfield Area – Playgroups & Events
No EventsRegional Highlights
Continue to Bennington >>
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Bennington – Playgroups & Events
Arlington Playgorup
Mar 7
Arlington Play group on Saturdays 10:30 to 12
East Arlington Road, Arlington
Sponsored by Happy Days 375-6039
Bennington BBF Council - Early Childhood
Mar 11
The Bennington Building Bright Futures -Early Childhood Council is a shared forum where parents, administrators and direct service providers committed to respectful, safe and non-judgmental relationships work together to support positive outcomes for young children and families in Bennington and surrounding areas
Arlington Playgorup
Mar 14
Arlington Play group on Saturdays 10:30 to 12
East Arlington Road, Arlington
Sponsored by Happy Days 375-6039
Arlington Playgorup
Mar 21
Arlington Play group on Saturdays 10:30 to 12
East Arlington Road, Arlington
Sponsored by Happy Days 375-6039
Kindergarten Transition Summit
Mar 25
The Kindergarten Transition Conference on Wednesday March 25th from 12:30 to 5. Beverly Sweeney PHD from the University of Virginia will facilitate the discussion for pre-school and kindergarten teachers, and administrators. This conference is a collaboration between the three supervisory unions, Head Start and Building Bright Futures. Please save the date, more details to follow.
Purpose: To create long term collaboration with local school districts, Head Start, community early childhood providers and families in promoting a seamless transition for children and families into kindergarten
For More Information or to sign up for this event please Contact: Robin Stromgren rstromgren@buildingbrightfutures.org or 802-447-2887
Regional Highlights
Continue to Southeast Vermont >>
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Southeast Vermont – Playgroups & Events
Jacksonville StoryTime
Mar 2
*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
Westminster Playgroup
Mar 2
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
Wilmington Storytime (Free)
Mar 2
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.
Townsend Playgroup
Mar 3
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 Townsend, Vermont
Tuesdays at the Townshend Library 9:30-11:00 AM
Brattleboro Playgroup
Mar 3
Events may change without notice, please call the phone number listed to get current info.
TUESDAYS:
Brattleboro- Love it Twice, 74 Black Mountain Rd., 10-11:30 AM, snack provided. For more information call Leigh-Ann at 490-2160
Frank S. Perotti Jr and Burlington Parks, Recreation & Waterfront like this
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