LYNDONVILLE - Wednesday was the twenty-fifth annual Early Childcare Legislature Day in Vermont. Parents and teachers around the Northeast Kingdom made the trip to Montpelier to take part in the event that took place at the Capitol Park Plaza. The agenda mainly focused on celebrating the past, present and future of childcare in Vermont.
Schools, teachers, and parents had the opportunity to tell the legislature their vision for the future for Vermont childcare by submitting a wish. In this wish, participants shared a vision of what their ideal childcare would look like. Most of these wishes related to early childcare, but some related to health and safety, and many included a photo that represented something they'd like to see within Vermont's childcare system.
A big concern for parents and families is the affordability of childcare for their children. Many parents of young children in Vermont are contributing up to forty percent of their income towards childcare. Although the Northeast Kingdom Pre-School and Daycare Center of Lyndonville did not go down to Montpelier for this event, teachers and parents alike have expressed concerns with how the childcare system is currently running.
"This day is so important, because it's giving not just the providers, but the children a voice. I think that there are so many studies and so much research that shows the importance of brain development, and being in a stimulating environment from birth to five. You know having people go and advocate for the needs of these children is extremely important," said Administrator, Jessica Poginy.
This event will take place again in Montpelier next year in March.