March Forth for Child Care and Head Start
On Thursday, March 4th, thousands of advocates across the U.S. will join together to "March Forth" in support of increased federal funding for child care, Head Start, and child nutrition. This national email/call-in day is intended to highlight the importance of these programs for children, parents and the nation’s economic recovery. Click here for a flyer to distribute to friends, colleagues, parents with children in early childhood programs, and Building Bright Futures Council members.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), otherwise known as the economic stimulus package, includes significant funds for young children and their families.
Below are links to several documents that provide more detailed information. We will continue to add materials as they become available.
- Federal overview of early childhood funding (prepared by the National Association for the Education of Young Children)
- Additional resources (NAEYC web site)
- Summary of child care and early education funding for Vermont (prepared by Senator Sanders' office)
- Vermont's Joint Fiscal Office: information pertaining to the stimulus package
On Friday, April 3rd, the Kids Are Priority One Coalition convened a statewide meeting to discuss recommendations for use of the federal stimulus funds to support the healthy development of Vermont's young children. Click here for principles and recommendations that grew out of that meeting. This is a "living" document, in that we will continue to refine the recommendations as more information becomes available.
If you were not able to attend the meeting, you can still be part of the discussion. Type your ideas in the box below and click the "Submit" button.
For more information, contact Kim Friedman, Organizing Director, Kids Are Priority One Coalition, at (802) 348-9879 or kfriedman@svcable.net.