佛蒙特州十年来为改变儿童保育所做的努力

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In May 2023, Vermont passed Act 76, a landmark legislation that brought meaningful investment and key policy changes for the state’s early care and education system. The state created a dedicated funding stream to build a system that could pay early educators a livable wage, increase supply to meet demand and provide financial support to more families to cover the cost of care.

The law’s passage followed nearly two decades of groundwork and an eight-year advocacy campaign led by Let’s Grow Kids, a local organization focused on building broad public and political support for childcare reform. The mission? To achieve high-quality, affordable childcare for the whole state.

A new report from New America chronicles the years of advocacy and organizing that paved the way for Vermont to pass Act 76, including the incremental legislative strategy that developed bipartisan support; efforts to build a coalition of stakeholders; and the strategic pivots and political organizing that were instrumental in passing the law. By recounting Vermont’s roadmap, the report’s author, Rebecca Gale, who has been covering childcare in the state for years, shares lessons learned to highlight what’s possible when it comes to state-led childcare reform.

Here’s a look back at Gale’s reporting on some of the key actions and policy changes that have led to progress in Vermont.

While childcare has gained visibility in political campaigns, it’s more often a secondary issue, rather than a key priority for candidates. That may be starting to change. In April, Aly Richards, who led Let’s Grow Kids for nearly a decade, announced her bid for governor. In an interview with Gale, Richards discussed why the governor’s office might be the best next step for someone who knows how central quality childcare is for families — and states — to thrive.

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