“Access to paid family leave would have made my pregnancy and maternity leave so much less stressful and would have improved my well-being and mental health.” —A Vermont parent and RAPID survey participant
The RAPID Survey Project is an ongoing national survey of households with children under 6 designed to gather essential information on the needs and well-being of children and the important adults in their lives. Since its launch in April 2020, RAPID has proven to be a powerful resource for uplifting the voices of parents and caregivers. Building Bright Futures is collaborating with RAPID to survey Vermonters to identify key needs, challenges, and successes to inform early childhood policy and programming.
Since the survey launched in January 2025, we have heard from 354 Vermont families. As in the story about paid leave above, we are hearing about how services and supports could better meet family needs in the state. Participants reported hardship in things like affording utility costs and accessing wellness activities, such as recreational and community activities. In open-ended responses, access to specialized therapy, access to mental health services, and shorter wait lists were cited as additional family needs. This is just a sample of what we have heard so far, and we still have time to hear from many more voices!
Parents and Caregivers with Young Children:
If you can relate to these challenges, or have a story you want to be heard, we want to hear from you! The RAPID Survey Project is in search of parents of young children (birth to 5 years old) to participate in their ongoing survey.
Here’s how it works:
- Click this link to see if you are eligible to participate
- Complete the 15-minute survey
- You will be emailed a $5 gift card two weeks later
There will also be opportunities to participate in ongoing surveys and continue receiving gift cards!
Go to rapidsurveyproject.com to learn more about the RAPID Survey Project.
Partners, Agency Leaders, and Service Providers:
Please help us reach families across Vermont. Invite them to take the survey and elevate their needs to our leaders. Share this opportunity in your communications with parents and caregivers with young children. Copy the information above or use this toolkit to add the RAPID Survey Project to family communications.
Please contact Tanya LaChapelle, Family Leadership Manager, for assistance. Thank you!
