Early Childhood Education: Delivering on the Promise of Act 76 - Ensuring an Equitable, Affordable, and Sustainable Early Childhood Education System in Vermont

In 2023, the Vermont Legislature passed Act 76 (an act relating to child care and early childhood education) with overwhelming support. Since Act 76 started rolling out, more child care spaces are being created, early childhood educator wages are increasing, and more families are getting access to affordable child care. But there’s still more work to be done to grow the early childhood education workforce, increase affordability for families, and fully realize the promise of Act 76.

The Alliance supports Let’s Grow Kids and the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children in their work to continue building on the success of Act 76 with the goal of making it work for all Vermont families with young children, and to ensure that funding gets into the hands of those who need it most – child care programs and early childhood educators, families, and kids.

 Lead Organizations: Let’s Grow Kids and the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children

Data and Talking Points

  • Public investment through Act 76 is working! More child care spaces are being created, early childhood educator wages are increasing, more families have access to affordable child care, and it’s helping boost our workforce and economy. When we invest in child care, we’re investing in a brighter future for Vermont.
  • Since Act 76 went into effect, over 1,000 new child care spaces have been created, and thousands of additional Vermont children and their families may be eligible for more affordable child care! There is still more to be done to strengthen Act 76 and make more progress on child care, but the progress so far shows public investment in child care works.
  • The single most important element of quality experiences for young children is the qualifications of their teacher. Elevating early childhood educators as professionals is the key to doing our best for young children and their families, and to creating our best future as a state.
  • Professional recognition of early childhood educators creates a sustainable, accessible, transparent system that centers quality and equity, and that works for everyone: children, families, early childhood educators, program directors, and the public.

Resources