0400Newsletter Parent to Parent of Vermont

Early Childhood Day at the Legislature

Also Early Childhood Councils
Two articles submitted by Kay Van Woert,
Early Childhood Public Education Coordinator

More than 250 parents and early care and education professionals from all over Vermont met at the Pavilion and State House in Montpelier on Tuesday, March 14 to celebrate "Early Childhood Day at the Legislature". Handmade paper dolls, each representing a real child in Vermont, were presented to each representative and senator to tell a personal story about living in each legislator's district or county. This event, called "Doll's Day" by many past participants, was created in 1995 to raise awareness of the needs of young children in Vermont.
picture of panel at Early Childhood Day

This year's top concern was services and programs for infants and toddlers. Dr. Kathy Moroz of the University of VT Department of Social Work gave the keynote speech on how the infant brain is shaped by early experiences and relationships. "Early attachment relationships serve as both the foundation for brain development and the medium through which children become socially and emotionally healthy," said Dr. Moroz. "Supporting secure relationships between children and their parents and caregivers is a critical investment in creating the kind of caring and safe communities in which we all want to live."

Dr. Moroz's address was followed by an overview of the legislative process by Lieutenant Governor Doug Racine and recognition by Governor Howard Dean of parents participating in Parent and Community Leadership Training. Both the Lt. Governor and Governor spoke of the need to invest in young children and the importance of early intervention. A discussion panel on advocacy and citizen impact on public policy ended the morning events. Panelists included Kathi Apgar, from the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC); Cecelia Burnett from the Governor's Commission on Women; George Candler, Ph.D. of the University of Vermont; Lee Ann Lee, Parent and Community Leadership Training graduate, and Rep. Ann Pugh.

This sixth annual program was organized and promoted by a collaboration of early childhood professionals and family advocates, including Parent to Parent of Vermont, the Parent and Community Leadership Training project in conjunction with the Vermont Children's Forum, and the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC). The event was the yearly culmination of Vermont's "How are the Children?" campaign which is based on a centuries-old traditional greeting among the Masai that acknowledges the high value that the tribe always places on children's well-being. ª

Panel Picture:
Kathi Apgar, (VAEYC); Rep. Ann Pugh; Cecelia Burnett, Governor's Commission on Women; Lee Ann Lee, Parent;
and George Candler, UVM

Provider Appreciation Day Picture:
12 May 2000
Governor's Proclamation of Provider Appreciation Day
Lt Gov Doug Racine, Kay Van Woert, Gov Howard Dean

Local Early Childhood Councils:
Opportunities for Parent and Community Involvement Programs and services for children birth to age six are provided in many forms and via a number of different funding streams. Many are planned and delivered locally, and coordinated at the state and/or federal levels. Often times, local planning and resource allocation for specific programs is not done in conjunction with other programs or services for young children. Community groups, businesses, and parents may have few opportunities for input. To help develop a broader ownership of children's well being and ensure stronger community involvement in the planning and delivery of programs and services for young children, Early Childhood Councils have been formed in most local areas in Vermont.

Early Childhood Councils are local committees made up of representatives of early childhood programs and services and parents and community members who meet regularly to implement the vision of a comprehensive, unified early care and education system on the local level. Participants might include:

Child Care Community

Public School Programs

Family, Infant Toddler Project

Parents and Parent Support Organizations

Pediatricians/other Health Care Providers

Faith Community

Business Community

Head Start

Parent Child Centers

Success by Six

Media

Legislators

Others

There are many purposes and potential benefits from the growth of the Early Childhood Councils. Each community will approach collaboration differently in a way most appropriate to that community. Potentially, Early Childhood Councils can result in coordinated and consolidated planning and funding, which may lead to more integrated services. Opportunities to advocate for children may be increased. Councils may also reduce the number of advisory groups to various programs, and lead to collaborative training opportunities and data collection. Community capacity can be better assessed. Perhaps most importantly, Early Childhood Councils can provide for meaningful participation of families and link family needs and services to needed outcomes.

Councils are operating in Bennington, Brattleboro, Burlington, Hartford, Middlebury, Lamoille Valley, Newport, Rutland, Springfield, St. Albans, Grand Isle County, St. Johnsbury, and the Washington region.
To find a contact person for your local Early Childhood Council to get involved in your area call K.C. Whitely of the Head Start -State Collaboration Project Office at 802-241-2705.
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Spring 2000 Newsletter–
From Our Director (Cover Page)
Advocacy1: H629 Act etc
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