Building Bright Futures is pleased to announce the creation of the Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF) providing grants of $10,000-$20,000 for up to 7 grantees to support creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children (prenatal-age 8), families, as well as the Vermont communities in which they live. Each year BBF Regional Councils, the […]
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In the past few months, a new Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (Early MTSS) and Strengthening Families pilot project was introduced in Franklin/Grand Isle, Orleans/Northern Essex, and Northern Windsor/Orange in partnership with Dr. Lori Meyer from the University of Vermont, Building Bright Futures and Pyramid 802 PLUS. This is an opportunity for Early MTSS coaches […]
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The notice popped up in my inbox the other day-”This to-do is due soon: April testimonial”. A testimonial, by definition, is a “positive tribute to someone and to their achievements.” It is difficult to single out one person to write a testimonial about during this recent unprecedented health crisis, so this is a testimonial to […]
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Orleans and Northern Essex counties are known for beautiful unspoiled landscapes, and remote, sparsely populated communities. For families with young children, making social connections can be challenging. In several communities in Orleans and Northern Essex counties, community playgroups are being offered at a variety of venues, but with similar goals-to increase social connections by providing […]
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BBF hosted the VT Early Childhood Advocacy Alliance Executive Director Matt Levin at the December Council meeting. Matt introduced the Alliance Legislative 2020 agenda that generated a conversation regarding the needs of the children and families in the Northeast Kingdom. The region is fortunate to have weekly playgroups in various locations around the Orleans/N.Essex county […]
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The ONE Regional BBF Council has used the council meeting time to provide continuing education regarding trauma informed practices and resources. At the October meeting, we showed the documentary film, “Broken Places”, which explores why some children are permanently impacted by early adversity while others are able to thrive. Nationally known experts help the viewer […]
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In the small town of Barton, Vermont exists a model preschool program that not many outside of Orleans County know about. The Central Orleans Family Education Center (COFEC) is a preschool collaboration between the Orleans Central Supervisory Union (OCSU) and the Northeast Kingdom Head Start/Early Head Start Program. It is the result of a vision […]
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A coalition of community partners from a variety of agencies, including Building Bright Futures, meets monthly as the Newport Building Flourishing Communities (BFC) committee. The vision of BFC is for the Northeast Kingdom to be a “vibrant, intergenerational community that supports courageous, caring, competent adults in the daily lives of every child”. The coalition seeks […]
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The focus of the June BBF Council meeting was the final part of a 3-part series on Substance Use Disorders that the Council has offered over the course of the year. “Marijuana Use During Pregnancy-Parenting Implications” was presented by staff from the Newport office of the VT Department of Health: James Biernat, Julie Raboin and […]
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The North Country Career Center(NCCC) in Newport, in partnership with Northern Lights at CCV and Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (NEKLS), recently launched a new program, “Step Up To Childcare”, an innovative project designed to address the skilled labor shortage in the childcare profession and pair childcare centers with potential teachers through a paid internship. The […]
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It is an all too familiar scenario being played out over and over across our region and state: Childcare centers struggling to stay open and struggling to find qualified staff while parents struggle to find quality care. “Promoting, supporting and creating high quality childcare in our region” is a priority identified by the Orleans and […]
Read More“Families and Communities play a leading role in children’s well-being” seemed to be a theme during April and May in the ONE BBF Region! The Council coordinated the annual “Dabble Day” event, where young children had an opportunity to learn while having fun participating in a variety of activities hosted by community partners. There were […]
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