Here in the Northeast Kingdom, many young children are experiencing the profound impact of two crises: the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused many children to enter child care and preschool programs with unusually limited socialization experiences; and the increased rate of substance misuse in our communities, along with a related increase in violent crime. The rise […]
Building Bright Futures is excited to announce the recipients of our Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF) awards for 2023. The fund supports creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children (prenatal–age 8), families, and the Vermont communities in which they live. The 2023 VECF grantees will carry out the following projects: Develop a culturally-tailored […]
Building Bright Futures Regional Councils awards $100,000 in Vermont Early Childhood Fund grants to improve the well-being of children, families and communities Building Bright Futures (BBF) announced seven recipients of grants from the Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF). Grantees will work with BBF Regional Councils to improve the well-being of children (prenatal–age 8) and families, […]
Building Bright Futures is pleased to announce the creation of the Vermont Early Childhood Fund (VECF) providing grants of $10,000-$20,000 for up to 7 grantees to support creative solutions that will improve the well-being of children (prenatal-age 8), families, as well as the Vermont communities in which they live. Each year BBF Regional Councils, the […]
In the past few months, a new Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (Early MTSS) and Strengthening Families pilot project was introduced in Franklin/Grand Isle, Orleans/Northern Essex, and Northern Windsor/Orange in partnership with Dr. Lori Meyer from the University of Vermont, Building Bright Futures and Pyramid 802 PLUS. This is an opportunity for Early MTSS coaches […]
The notice popped up in my inbox the other day-”This to-do is due soon: April testimonial”. A testimonial, by definition, is a “positive tribute to someone and to their achievements.” It is difficult to single out one person to write a testimonial about during this recent unprecedented health crisis, so this is a testimonial to […]
The BBF and PCC “mini grants” were awarded in January to 7 applicants that successfully presented proposals that addressed the PCC 8 Core Services and/or an Outcome area from the Caledonia/S.Essex BBF Regional Action Plan. Enhancing kindergarten transition practices that support children and families, supporting literacy activities, and home visiting and healthy children are some […]
This guest blog is written by Caledonia/SEssex Building Bright Futures Council member, April Zajko, an early childhood educator and consultant, and owner of her own consulting business, April’s Learning Tree (http://www.aprilsteachingtree.com). One of the best aspects of being an early childhood educator is the sense of community in our profession and the support that I […]
The BBF & PCC “mini grants” were announced in November, and applications were distributed widely throughout the region. The grant process has been updated to include a more formal application form, and requiring more accountability to outcomes related to the Parent Child Center’s eight core services and the BBF Regional Action Plan for Caledonia/S.Essex counties. […]
The BBF Regional Council supported a variety of events during the months of September and October. The “All Things Lyndon” group, a group that started as a Promise Community initiative, has been holding a “Family Fun Friday” activity, on the first Friday of the month, since June, with support from a PCC/BBF “mini grant” and […]
The Caledonia/S. Essex Building Bright Futures Council and Steering Committee have been reviewing accomplishments over the past year, and reviewing data and comments from Council members to develop an action plan for the new year. At the June Council meeting, we heard from recipients of direct service mini grants, funded in collaboration with the Parent […]
The Northeast Kingdom Community Action (NEKCA) Parent Child Center (PCC) located in St. Johnsbury is part of a network of 15 centers in Vermont that help families make sure children get off to a healthy start. Services include playgroups, parent education, parent support, early childhood programs, home visiting, information and referral and community development activities. […]