Efforts to improve the experience of families and young children at the Council have recently included work with the interagency coordinating team and several other communities of practice to utilize a systems integration survey that seeks to measure how integrated and connected the services and supports are in the region. This project, developed over the […]
Read MoreIn our regional Action Plan, the Northern Windsor and Orange BBF council identified “children have positive learning experiences and are properly aware of their emotions” and “professionals have knowledge and resources regarding children’s social and emotional health” as two important aspirations for the region. We have identified Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (Early MTSS) as […]
Read MoreIn our regional Action Plan, the Springfield Area Council has identified “families and caregivers have opportunities to understand child development“ as a priority for the year. One strategy we have used in coordination with the local ACEs in Action Collaborative and Building Flourishing Communities was to have film screenings of Resilience followed by community conversations. […]
Read MoreThis fall, the Southeast Vermont BBF Council has been focused on supporting learning opportunities and promotion of resources to our region. Three highlights are below. The Windham Early Childhood Educators Coop (Starting Points Network) sought to bring the Bridges Out of Poverty training to the region. Along with the Green Street Promise Community, the BBF […]
Read MoreRegional Council Meetings: At our October 1st BBF Regional Council meeting, we continued our conversation on diversity led by Dr. Karen Hack. This time our focus was on cultural humility aimed to promote council members’ personal reflection and development around culture in order to foster their knowledge and self- awareness. This was followed by a […]
Read MoreData from schools and organizations serving children show low levels of resiliency among youth and a feeling of being undervalued in their communities which is undermining their belief in themselves and their ability to handle life’s inevitable challenges. Addison County Parent Child Center, Building Bright Futures, the Counseling Service of Addison County, the Vermont Department of Health, […]
Read MoreThis Fall the Rutland Council wanted to better understand the needs and resources around food insecurity in the state and in Rutland county. We were joined by Jill Hamilton MA, RDN, Public Health Nutritionist III, WIC Supervisor at the Vermont Department of Health. Hunger in Vermont is a very real and present factor. According to […]
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By Dawn Powers The Vermont Agency of Human Services (AHS) is striving to create and integrate a sustainable, systems-wide Strengthening Families (SF) approach. This is an evidence-based approach focused on increasing family strengths, while simultaneously promoting child development, and reducing risk of child abuse and neglect. Identification and promotion of protective factors for children and […]
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By Dawn Powers Are you a parent or do you know a parent who struggles with finding quality, affordable, and accessible childcare? You are not alone. The Challenge According to the 2018 Lets Grow Kids’ Stalled at the Start report, childcare in Vermont remains at a critical shortage across the state and in each county. […]
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By Dora Levinson Appreciative Inquiry is a philosophy that looks at systems and asks the question, ‘What’s right?’ rather than ‘What’s wrong?’. There is no doubt that early childhood systems in Vermont face significant challenges. Families struggle to have their basic needs met. There are not enough accessible child care and early learning opportunities. Service […]
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By Steve Ames As we begin to realize the overwhelming importance of the social determinants of health in building resilience in people and in community, new and innovative ideas are taking hold. In Central Vermont, an exciting new collaboration has begun. The Family Center of Washington County, Washington County Mental Health, and a Central Vermont […]
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by Darla Senecal Surveys of our youth suggest that from an early age our children are often feeling low optimism, low self-worth, and high anxiety. Fortunately studies also show us that the ability to overcome negative experiences can be taught. More and more, people are examining the concept of “resilience,” defined as the ability to […]
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