Our Council meetings have brought together a number of new partners during the last few meetings. As we’re gearing up for Universal Pre-K conversations (taking place at our November meeting – please note the changed location!- Barre’s Department of Health Penthouse) we have been delighted to be having some very valuable meeting time with Rebecca Webb, the new Universal Pre-K coordinator for the Winooski Valley Superintendents Association. We’ve learned from Rebecca about streamlining the infrastructure to support private pre-K providers, and had rich discussions about pre-K teacher licensing, among other things. These have been useful conversations for key early childhood partners like Capstone Head Start, and Northern Lights at CCV. Both organizations continue to enrich the Central Vermont BBF Council table.
One of the council’s priorities continues to be supporting members’ understanding of legislative and administrative action around early childhood policy. Each year, around this time, we have been fortunate to have Matt Levin of the Vermont Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance join us to review the legislative landscape for the session ahead. There are many legislators across the central Vermont region and last month the Alliance provided a wonderful three page contact sheet for those who are in contact with their representatives.
In brief, the council is enthusiastic about the work of the Perinatal Anxiety and Mental Health Coalition, and its support of Help Me Grow and the Stampp Grant this fall – more on this work as it continues to develop.
Finally, we’re excited that Anne Farley, the new CIS coordinator at the Family Center of Washington County, will be joining the Council’s steering committee. Please welcome Anne to her new role!
