2023 Regional Council Summit

Please join us for the 4th Annual Statewide Regional Council Summit on Dec. 12, 2023, from 9 a.m. to noon. This will be a hybrid in-person/virtual event. Our keynote speaker will be Dr. Joshua Sparrow, executive director of the Brazelton Touchpoints Center in the Division of Developmental Medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital.

The Summit agenda will include:

• A keynote and Q&A with Dr. Joshua Sparrow
• A panel discussion with local experts
• Opportunities for members of the 12 BBF Regional Councils to network with each other and early childhood leaders across the state, in person and virtually

Location: Counseling Service of Addison County, 109 Catamount Park, Middlebury, VT

Register for Zoom meeting

About the Regional Councils

Building Bright Futures has 12 regions throughout Vermont that align with the Agency of Human Services districts.  Each regional early childhood council, supported by one of BBF’s Regional Managers, brings together community members committed to young children and families. Councils are guided by the State and Regional Early Childhood Action Plan, and identify annual priority actions based on community needs and gaps. Review the 2023 map of regional councils priorities. The Regional Councils also advise the BBF State Advisory Council on opportunities to strengthen both local and statewide systems of care, health, and education. Council meetings are open to the public and have a regular meeting schedule. Learn more about the Regional Council structure and how to find the Regional Council meeting in your region below.

Our Vision

We envision an early childhood system where partners work together with shared vision, shared action, and shared accountability; where regional tables are set for communities to problem-solve, coordinate, and take action; where data drives decision-making; and where sensible state policy is informed by the wisdom of communities.

BBF brings the early childhood community in Vermont together to foster collaboration, share best practices, solicit input, and develop system efficiencies on complex social and systemic problems to ensure all children and families have access to high-quality opportunities. We engage families as key partners to build a seamless system from prenatal through age 8 and beyond. Regional Councils convene early childhood partners to identify the needs and challenges of children, families, educators, and providers on the ground.

BBF Regional Councils serve as an essential part of the BBF statewide Network infrastructure, including the Early Childhood State Advisory Council (SAC) and the seven Vermont Early Childhood Action Plan (VECAP) Committees, all working together to support early childhood stakeholders across the state. BBF Regional Councils regularly participate in efforts to gather information from the broader community to inform policy and practice at both the regional and state levels. 

Regional Council Charge

The Regional Council convenes families and professionals invested in the well-being of children and families. The Council is guided by priorities outlined in a Regional and Vermont  Early Childhood Action Plan (VECAP), based on community needs and gaps. Regional Councils also advise the BBF State Advisory Council (SAC) on opportunities to strengthen both local and statewide systems of care, health, and education. 

Council Membership 

The council is open to anyone who is invested in the well-being of children and families. We seek representation from the following sectors: health, mental health, early care and education, primary education, home visiting, parents/caregivers, direct service providers, businesses/employers, etc., who are committed to participating in respectful, safe, and non-judgmental relationships to work together in support of positive outcomes for young children and families in our community. There are no terms for Council membership.

Council Meetings

With the regional and state action plans as our guides, we identify and invite discussion about key projects and initiatives to support and collaborate on in efforts to increase impact, reduce duplication, and break down silos. Regional Councils gather 8-10 times a year to share ideas and support for programs and families, and to create opportunities to learn what our counterparts are doing, recognizing that we can better meet the diverse needs of all children and families when we work together.  Meetings will be held largely using Zoom as a virtual format, with select in-person meetings to further build relationships among regional partners. Click here to find the Regional Council in your region.