We’re thrilled to share a major milestone for Vermont’s youngest children and families. On Monday, October 27, 2025, the Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council officially endorsed Vermont’s new Early Childhood Strategic Plan! This plan, shaped through a year of deep community engagement and collaboration with The Creative Discourse Group, captures the voices, priorities, and hopes of families, caregivers, and early childhood professionals across the state. It marks a shared vision and a bold path forward for Vermont’s early childhood system, committed to both building new progress and safeguarding the critical programs and services that children and families depend on.
What Is the Plan About?
“This plan is about helping us steward our democracy. To explore the role of community and public servants to achieve what we want for our state and our society.”
—Janet McLaughlin, Deputy Commissioner of the Child Development Division
The Plan charts a path to ensure that every family, from pregnancy through their child’s eighth year, is healthy, supported, and thriving. It reflects what we heard from communities across the state, is informed by data and research, and centers on a clear and powerful vision for 2030:
- Goal 1: All Children and Families Have Their Basic Needs Met including stable housing, nutritious food, income, and transportation.
- Goal 2: All Children Are Raised in Safe, Healthy, and Healing Environments that promote healing and resilience.
- Goal 3: All Children and Families Have Access to High-Quality Opportunities That Promote Child Development and Well-Being. Children gain access to inclusive, high-quality opportunities that support their development and well-being.
- Goal 4: All Children Are Supported by a Well-Prepared, Well-Supported Early Childhood Workforce. Children are cared for by a well-prepared, well-supported, and equitably compensated early childhood workforce.
- Goal 5: Our System Centers Children and Families and Is Coordinated, Well-Resourced, and Data-Driven. Families and caregivers must hold real power in shaping decisions, and systems must be transparent and accountable.
The complete text of Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan 2030 is available here. We’re excited to share that the Plan is being finalized for publication and printing, with release planned for the new year so everyone across Vermont can explore and take part in this shared vision.
View the PlanSign On to Help Steward the Plan
“I am committed to not just vote for this plan but to continue the core beliefs and shared values and shared stewardship.”
—Flor Diaz Smith, President, Vermont School Board Association
This plan is not just a document. It’s a shared commitment among state leaders, organizations, and communities. BBF invites you to sign on to help steward the plan alongside the State Advisory Council.
Stewards play a vital role in bringing this Plan to life. Regardless of your role in the system, you can sign on and be involved in a range of ways, including:
- Lead or support implementation of specific parts of the Plan.
- Contribute time, resources, or advocacy to advance key strategies.
- Promote equity, inclusion, and fairness.
- Use the plan to inform policy, practice, or public awareness.
- Align your organizational goals and values with the Plan’s vision and priorities.
- Fulfill formal responsibilities, such as statutory or mandated roles, that align with and advance the Plan’s implementation.
We know progress won’t happen overnight, and we recognize the urgency of this moment. Families are feeling pressures from all sides: rising costs, federal uncertainty, and long-standing inequities. That’s why we’re taking concrete steps now while building toward our aspirational vision. Step by step, and in partnership with you, we work to build a Vermont where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for sharing your stories, your wisdom, and your trust. We are grateful to continue this work together.
