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A family support program of Parent to Parent of Vermont advocates for system change and provides health care information to families. |
In his January 2008 Budget Address to the Legislature, Governor Jim Douglas announced a new initiative to better integrate services for children with special needs. The Governor noted that children with disabilities and their families receive services from as many as five different departments, and yet often needs are not met. This, of course, is not news to families of Vermont children with special needs.
For many years, families have reported difficulties accessing services, lack of case management or multiple, ineffective, case managers, lack of coordination between school and health programs, and more. These issues have been conveyed by families identified by Parent to Parent in testimony to the Legislature, Parent to Parent discussion groups, surveys, and other public forums. Parent to Parent has also been working with the Agency of Human Services, the Legislature, and with partners from the Vermont Coalition of Disability Rights to convey these challenges.
The Agency of Human Services has acknowledged the need for comprehensive, coordinated case management that ideally would include services provided in schools. The Agency also acknowleges the importance of flexibility in funding, and will work to blend funding sources so that services can be tailored to the needs of individual children and their families. Sue Schmidt, a former Field Services Director from Addison County, will work for the Agency to coordinate the initiative. Sue has promised to include families and stakeholders in the process, and early discussions are encouraging.
Parent to Parent of Vermont will be following this initiative closely and will keep families informed. If you would like to be part of this discussion, contact Kay Van Woert at 985-5668 or kvanwoert@aol.com ©
Early Childhood Day
Lawmakers Struggle to Make Young Children a Priority During Tough Economic Times
“As we face the budget challenges this year we have to decide the priorities for our future and how critical it is that the next generation of Vermonter’s are given the chance to be successful,” remarked Governor Douglas as he addressed advocates and legislators during a surprise appearance at the 14th annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature luncheon on Friday, March 14, in Montpelier. “Early education is critical in getting kids off on the right foot so they can get the skills they need to be future taxpayers,” Douglas concluded.
Early Childhood Day at the Legislature offers participants an opportunity to speak with lawmakers, talk about policy issues, discuss funding concerns and learn more about public policy solutions to complex challenges facing Vermont young children and their families.
Over 180 early childhood advocates came to the state capitol on Friday to bring home the message to legislators that Vermont’s current and future prosperity lies with the healthy development of its youngest citizens.
Speaker of the House Gaye Symington opened the day with remarks to advocates. 
“Your appearance here matters. To make a difference in this state we need to be individuals talking to individuals.” Rep. Symington also noted how access to reliable, affordable childcare is one of the top issues facing Vermonters from a variety of sectors. “When I hear the same issues are facing Vermont business and families I know we need to be listening.”
During interactions between participants and legislators, many advocates stressed that the early years of life matter because early experiences affect a child’s brain architecture. As it emerges, the quality of that architecture establishes either a sturdy or a fragile foundation for all of the development and behavior that follow. “Certainly, giving our children a sound start during their early years is easier and less costly than trying to make repairs later,” stated Ann Dillenbeck, Director of the Building Bright Futures Council in Chittenden County.
Special guest Mary Ignatius from Parent Voices, California, shared lessons from her work during her keynote address. Parent Voices is a parent-led, parent-run grassroots organization working to make quality child care accessible and affordable to children from all families. “…We expanded the message around access to early education; that it is not just a social service but is a necessity … Families…cannot go to work if they don’t have childcare…No parent should have to struggle with being a good parent and a good worker.” Ignatius’ comments tied in directly with the message from Symington earlier that morning: Vermont’s economy today depends on its workforce having access to quality, affordable childcare.
Vermont’s early childhood advocates took this message with them to lunch with their legislators. Many participants spoke with their legislators about finding a way to close the gap in the funding of Vermont’s Child Care Subsidy Program. The Child Care Subsidy Program is a crucial piece of Vermont’s early childhood system; however, Vermont is not investing adequately enough to ensure children have access to quality early learning experiences when their parents are working. “Reliable, quality childcare not only makes it possible for me to work, it also means I can focus my attention on my job instead of worrying about my childcare arrangements,” says Kelly Ault, a parent from Washington County.
Dillenbeck chimed in, “Parents, business leaders, and child advocates share a common goal: giving all Vermont’s children an equal opportunity to succeed. We know our state’s present and future prosperity depends on it. With a little foresight and a keen awareness of our shared goal, Vermonters can adequately support the Child Care Subsidy Program and the opportunity it provides young children and their working parents."
The Building Bright Futures Council of Chittenden County seeks to assure that all Vermont children are healthy and successful by improving the quality, affordability and accessibility of services for families with children under the age of six in the areas of health, early care and education. Kids Are Priority One is Vermont's early childhood coalition working to ensure that every Vermont child gets a good start.
1110 Prim Road, Colchester, VT 05446
Phone: (802) 652-5138 Fax: (802) 860-6149
E-Mail: adillenbeck@buildingbrightfutures.org ©
Spring 2008 - In this Issue:
Developmental Interventions
--FITP Supplemental
From Our Director
Family Voices of Vermont
Oral Health Care
DD Council Grants
PIC Conference Review
WalkaThon & Thanks
Our Calendar | News & Note
