Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan Summit

Join us for Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan Summit on Monday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.–noon, in person at Zenbarn, 179 Guptil Road, Waterbury Center, VT.

Read the agenda and descriptions of small groups here

If you’re not able to join us in person, we hope you can join one of our virtual meetings in April–May 2026.

Each year, the Building Bright Futures State Advisory Council dedicates time to focus on Vermont’s Early Childhood Strategic Plan—our shared roadmap for improving outcomes for children and families across the state. During this interactive session, participants will work together in large and small groups to reflect on progress over the past year and identify priorities for the year ahead. Your input will help shape policy and systems changes that support Vermont’s children and families.

Small group topics include: 

• Group 1 – Protecting access to services for at-risk families amid a threatening political environment
• Group 2 – Mitigating the impact of climate change on children and families
• Group 3 – Inclusion supports and behavioral health for children to access learning environments
• Group 4 – Strengthening transportation systems for families to access health care and education
• Group 5 – Supporting parents and caregivers navigating isolation, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and a lack of community connection
• Group 6 – Tracking and addressing root causes of student chronic absenteeism
• Group 7 – Recruiting and retaining a robust health, mental health, and specialty provider workforce
• Group 8 – Service navigation for families
• Group 9 – Navigating threats to funding and eligibility from the Federal political instability

Anyone invested in the well-being of young children and families is invited to attend—including families, BBF Regional Council members, community partners, state agency leaders, legislators, and advocates. Our vision is simple yet transformative: to ensure that every family, from pregnancy through their child’s eighth year, is healthy, supported, and thriving.