Here in the Northeast Kingdom, many young children are experiencing the profound impact of two crises: the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused many children to enter child care and preschool programs with unusually limited socialization experiences; and the increased rate of substance misuse in our communities, along with a related increase in violent crime. The rise […]
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Here in the Northeast Kingdom, equity and diversity have been the focus of a great deal of recent discussion. Each Building Bright Futures Regional Council has identified regional priorities for this year, and the Orleans/Northern Essex (O.N.E.) Regional Council’s priorities are “Building resilience in children, families, and communities” and “Family engagement and support.” At our […]
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Building resilience in our communities February, 2022 News from the Network is an email series from Building Bright Futures that spotlights the work of Regional Councils, updates related to early childhood data, emerging priorities from VECAP Committees, and more. Written by our Policy and Program Director Anna Brouillette, this update gives a closer look at […]
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Building Bright Futures Regional Councils awards $100,000 in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants to improve the well-being of children, families and communities Building Bright Futures (BBF) announced seven recipients of grants from the Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF). Grantees will work with BBF Regional Councils to improve the well-being of children (prenatal–age 8) and families, […]
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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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