In June 2007, after a four-year campaign spearheaded by the Kids Are Priority One Coalition and the Child Care Fund of Vermont, Act 62 was enacted with bi- partisan support in the legislature. This law solidifies the practice of using public education funds to support high-quality early education. School districts can contract with community-based early education programs, or they can establish on-site pre-k programs. Before starting an on-site program, school districts must undertake a community needs assessment.
Act 62 directed the Vermont Department of Education and the Vermont Department for Children and Families to propose rules for consideration by the State Board of Education. The State Board of Education formally initiated the rule-making process in November 2007 and approved final rules at its May meeting.
To learn more about what Act 62 means for parents, early childhood programs and school districts, go to http://www.dcf.state.vt.us/cdd/programs/partnerships/index.html
For additional resources regarding Act 62, go to the State Department of Education's website: http://education.vermont.gov/new/html/pgm_earlyed/prekindergarten.html