KAP1

The Coalition’s Kelly Ault stands with Senator Patrick Leahy at the 2009 Women’s Economic Opportunities Conference.

The Kids Are Priority One Coalition brings together Vermont business leaders - from CEOs to sole proprietors, Human Resource professionals to child care providers - to work for a greater investment in early childhood services, programs and policy.

BUSINESS PLEDGE

As Vermonters look for ways to make and keep our state prosperous, we turn to the connection between child development and economic development, as capable children become the foundation of a sustainable future.

Science tells us that the early years of life matter because early experiences build the architecture of a child's developing brain. The support and interaction of trusted adults shapes a child's brain circuits, affecting academic performance and interpersonal skills later in life.

We know how essential quality, early care and education experiences are for families who are working hard to keep Vermont's economy moving forward. Innovative states have been able to design high quality programs for children that have solved problems in early childhood development and shown significant long-term improvements for children, families and communities. We need to work together to ensure all communities throughout Vermont have access to these innovations.

Join the effort by adding your name to the BUSINESS PLEDGE (read above) by submitting the following contact information.

Add my name to the business pledge

Date:

Name and title:

Business:

Street:

Town:

Email:

Telephone:

Questions or ideas? Contact Kelly Ault, Kids Are Priority One Coalition
802-272-0795; kault1@earthlink.net

To Involve Your Business In Other Activities:

Join the business email list to learn more about early childhood issues

Sign a business pledge that calls for greater public investment in early care and education for Vermont's children

Be contacted about participating in a survey on employee issues with child care

Compile resources to help employees secure child care

Participate in or host a forum with other business representatives on early childhood issues

Attend an advocacy training for employers/employees

Submit an Op Editorial or letter to the editor

Contact or attend a meeting with legislators

Child Care is Your Business Forum Held on May 28, 2009 at Burlington City Hall

Kids Are Priority One Coalition participated in a forum for HR professionals hosted by the Burlington Children’s Space, Leadership Champlain, CEDO, the Vermont Human Resources Association, and the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce.

Mayor Kiss opened the morning’s discussion with an acknowledgement of the importance of quality child care in the local community. Over 50 attendees identified the needs of employees for child care services and how employers are working with the child care providers to develop innovative solutions and forge mutually-beneficial partnerships.

Panelists:

Michael Belinky, President of Zutano Inc.

Margaret Bozik, Assistant Director for Management, Planning and Communications at CEDO

Marsha Faryniarz, Vice President for Child and Youth Services at the Greater Burlington YMCA

Laurie Gunn, Vice President for Human Resources at Fletcher Allen Health Care

Kathie Mercia, Referral Manager at Child Care Resource

Mike New, Vice President for Human Resources at Saint Michael’s College

Representative Jason Lorber from Burlington (on the House Commerce and Economic Development Committee) describes how addressing the underfunded child care subsidy program is an economic issue

Ann Dillenbeck, Director of Building Bright Futures of Chittenden County, introduces a panel of speakers