Science tells us that early experiences build the foundation for a child's brain architecture. Research shows that some of a child's most important brain growth and development takes place during the ages of 3 and 5. A high quality preschool experience prepares children to learn when they enter Kindergarten and ensures that they will become Vermont's future business and community leaders.

Vermont law (Act 62 passed in 2007) allows schools to use public education dollars to support pre-kindergarten programs through local elementary schools, local child care providers and private pre-schools.

Parent Action: Parents and providers in numerous towns have been meeting to assess the community capacity to expand quality, publicly funded pre-kindergarten programs. Beginning with the 2010-2011 school year, Barre City and Barre Town Elementary Schools will have pre-kindergarten partnerships with four licensed centers and registered homes: Imagination Station, Jack's Place, Diann's Day Care, and The Learning Together Center.

Attached is a parent survey used in Barre to gather information on the needs of local families, a handout on pre-kindergarten programs and a Central Vermont pre-kindergarten resource list.

What's The Issue? Vermont's Child Care Financial Assistance (Subsidy) Program was designed to provide child care tuition to low-to moderate- income parents, who are working, seeking employment, or in job training. Although the Department of Children and Families significantly updated the income eligibility guidelines beginning in January 2010, current funding levels still leave significant gaps in the program: supporting quality care, providing access to infant/toddler care, assisting families in crisis, and for families above 200% of the federal poverty level ($44,000). A new fee scale can be found at: http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/child_care_fap/changes

Parent Action: Throughout the winter, parent groups met in Bennington, Burlington, Newport, and Brattleboro to share experiences with affording quality child care and design ways to advocate to legislators for change where the system falls short.

What's The Issue? The Vermont legislature passed Act 62 in 2007, codifying the long-standing practice of allowing school districts to get education fund dollars for 3 to 5 years olds being served in quality pre-kindergarten programs in schools or child care providers. A bill, S.193, was introduced that proposed additional requirements that school districts and supervisory unions would have to meet under Act 62 before deciding to create or expand a pre-k program. The bill also recommends loosening some of the quality requirements in Act 62.

Parent Action: In January, numerous parents submitted letters and providing testimony to the Senate Education Committee about positive experiences their family had in a publicly funded pre-k program either in a school or with a child care provider.

"My preschoolers were born premature, and as a result, had issues that affected their learning. They were integrated into the mainstream [preschool] program and given the accommodations necessary to reach their greatest potential...Each of my children has grown and developed beyond my expectations. The preschool program instilled a love of school and learning in them. This positive experience will stay with them for the rest of their education."

- Stephanie Mozzer in a letter submitted to the Senate Education Committee for the pre-kindergarten bill

What's The Issue? Many Vermont employers protect family economic security and a stable workforce by provide flexibility in work schedules when employees, their children, or their elders get sick or allow them to take measures to prevent illness. Over 106,000 working Vermonters, however, do not have a single paid sick day.

Campaign 2010: H.382, An Act Relating to Absence from Work for Health Care and Safety, called for paid sick days up to 56 hours over a year to Vermont workers. The time could be used to recover from an illness or injury, care for a family member, obtain health care (or seek care for a family member) or take necessary steps for a family member's safety as a result of abuse.

Parent Action: In February, parents and providers gave testimony in the House Committee on General, House and Military Affairs on H.382 before the bill died. Randy George, co-owner of the Red Hen Baking Company in Middlesex and father of 2 young children, testified in committee and had an Op-Ed published in the Times Argus and Brattleboro Reformer on the importance of providing benefits and support for employees who have young children.

"We have watched most of these long-term employees get married, have children and purchase homes. As our employees mature with our business, we need to look at ways in which the work that we offer can be integrated into a life that includes a fulfilling family and home life. ... I think that one of the loftiest goals that a business can have is that they will have a core staff that is interested in making a career out of their work with you."

"Without paid sick time, a missed day of work can mean falling behind on bills, so people are pressured to work through illness, which can extend their recovery time, reduce the quality of their work and expose their co-workers to their illness. ... We came to realize the direct costs of not having sick pay and the potential benefits of having such a program in terms of even better employee retention as we continue to strive to become a business that supports the people that support it."

Mama Says started circulating a free publication in 2004 "as a forum for expression, education and dialogue; a collective of the voices of our community … committed to presenting views and opinions unabashedly, with voices that are diverse, yet respectful of difference." The summer issue is available, representing local, authentic experiences of motherhood and connecting parents around local events, parenting resources and opportunities to take action on issues. Contact Ame Solomon at amesolomon@yahoo.com to receive a mailed copy or check out essays online at www.mamasaysvt.org.

Vermont Workplaces Support Nursing Moms

Back in May 2008, Vermont's labor law was amended to include a requirement that employers provide private space and break time during the day for breastfeeding mothers to express milk for their child. New federal health care reform legislation includes the same provision for larger employers.

Employers and employees can learn more about their rights and obligations by reading Vermont Workplaces Support Nursing Moms, a fact sheet from the Vermont Commission on Women in partnership with the Vermont Department of Health.

Additionally, trained volunteers are available statewide to provide free worksite consultations, educational materials, and copies of workplace policies. Businesses needing assistance can call Tricia Cassi at the Vermont Department of Health at (802) 652-4177, or email TCassi@vdh.state.vt.us.