Over 170 parents, providers and early childhood professionals gathered in Montpelier for the fifteenth annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature on March 18th. The event - co-hosted by the Kids Are Priority One Coalition and Building Bright Futures - forged constituent-legislator connections and advanced early childhood priorities.

The day began with legislators and the Governor being handed a Walk in My Shoes Storybook in the State House cafeteria, featuring personal stories from almost 100 parents and early childhood professionals on issues they care about.

Participants heard a summary of the current political and budget situation from Senator Doug Racine, which was followed by an inspiring keynote address on leadership by Valora Washington, PhD.

Participants attended "How to Talk to Your Legislator" work sessions on Act 62, child care subsidy, Building Bright Futures, children's health, prevention and early intervention, the budget process, paid sick days and how to organize a legislative tour.

Throughout the day, 11 participants gave testimony in 5 House and Senate committees.

During lunch, 60 legislators listened to constituents' concerns.

After lunch, participants went to the Statehouse, where a House resolution honoring the work of the early childhood workforce was read. Following remarks by Rep. Ann Pugh, Early Childhood Day at the Legislature participants received a standing ovation from legislators.

A press conference with speakers addressing early childhood issues was held in the Cedar Creek room and covered by Fox 44 news (Burlington area).

During the press conference, a small group of advocates delivered 1,000 petition signatures to the Governor's office and met with his staff. The petition applauds the Governor's call for increased funding for early care and education and calls on him to fully fund Vermont's Child Care Subsidy Program.

We would like to thank the Nellie Mae Educational Foundation and the Child Development Division for their financial support of Early Childhood Day at the Legislature.

Thanks to the Family Center of Washington County for providing on site childcare to 7 children, allowing parents to participate in the day.

Thanks to Stepping Stones Children's Center, Spring Hill School, Rumney Memorial School Pre-Kindergarten Class and West Bee Nursery School for providing handmade paper and children's artwork for the Storybooks. Thanks to the Restore for their donation of shoelaces to bind the books.

In addition, thanks to all the Building Bright Futures Regional Directors, volunteers, Walk in My Shoes Committee, planning committee, legislators, Capitol Plaza staff, people who circulated the petition in their communities and participants who helped to make the day a success!

Your ideas are gold! To ensure that next year's event is effective and rewarding, click here to download an evaluation form.

We are excited to continue working together on behalf of Vermont's children!

If you are not already signed up for the Kids Are Priority One Coalition's email network, select an option below so you can be apprised of advocacy opportunities, educational events and updates on the issues you care about.

• If you are a parent, click here to join the Coalition's Parents Rising list.
• If you are an early childhood professional, just enter your name and email address in the sidebar near the top of this page, then click "Join our e-network!"

Use the Letter to the Editor template below and click here to download tips and submission information. Contact Melissa Riegel-Garrett (child33@myfairpoint.net; 244-6282) for assistance.

Dear Editors,

(I joined) parents and early childhood professionals at Early Childhood Day at the Legislature on March 18th (to) bring the message to legislators that Vermont's future starts with today's children. Especially in these tough economic times it is important to remember that our youngest citizen's count on us to provide them with a sound start so they have the tools they need for the future.

Talk about a program that is important to your children/family and why you want legislators to know about it.

Conclude with asking for support for that program, including by their finding alternatives to cuts to the budget by seeking other revenue sources.

Sincerely,

Your Name and Town

Feel free to contact any of the Kids Are Priority One Coalition staff below with your ideas and how you want to be involved!