Early Childhood Community Updates 1/7/15

January 7, 2015beckyraymond Updates Leave a comment

Prequalification Application for Publicly Funded Prekindergarten Education

From: AOE weekly field memo

All public and private prekindergarten education programs, including Head Start and public school operated programs, must apply for prequalification status, whether the program is an existing program or a new program. This new requirement applies to all programs seeking to provide prekindergarten education in 2015-2016 regardless of whether the school district has elected to offer universal prekindergarten education starting in 2015 or 2016. The online Prequalification application can be accessed here; instructions are included in the application form.

EDU-EarlyEducation-Application_Prequalified_PreK (1)

EDU-Early_Ed_Implementation_Guidance_on_Act_166_of_2014

EDU-Early_Ed_Title_I_&_PreK_Programs_Memo

CPR Class

From: Nyra Whipple, Family Center of Washington County

American Heart Association certification taught by Glen Marold from Montpelier Fire Department. Cost is $25. Class will be held on Tuesday, January 13th 6 PM at Kid Country.

For information or to register, please contact:
Kathleen Burroughs at kidcountry@myfairpoint.net
802.223.3954

CPR Class

Barre Dabble Day

From: Claire Berry, Family Center of Washington County

Central Vermont Success by Six presents DABBLE DAY

Saturday, Feb.7, 2015 10:00 am-12:30 pm
Spaulding High School Cafeteria, Barre City

Come dabble with snow, oobleck, live music, silly putty building toys and more. Fun (and messy) activities for children ages birth to 6 and their families! Free Refreshments. Every child takes home a free book!

Sponsored by:
Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council

Like us on Facebook – Central Vermont Success By Six

DabbleDay flyer 2015

Northern Lights E-Newsletter

From: Claire Berry, Family Center of Washington County

This issue of Northern Lights quarterly e-newsletter tells you what’s new, what’s coming up and gives congratulations to the Career Ladder certificates, Credentials and other Certificates awarded to over hundred people in the last few months. It also has pictures of people who likely know- or want to know. Get answers to these burning questions:

What happened in the last few months that impacts my work?
Who is the newest Northern Lights coordinator?
What are the upcoming classes, opportunities and resources for early childhood and afterschool professionals in Vermont?
How do I find what’s new on the Northern Lights website?

and more!

Find this issue on every page of the Northern Lights website under WHAT’S NEW. Also find this and past e-newsletter issues on the Northern Lights website page: ABOUT US

NL Atlas 2015 January

RBA Training for Trainers

From: Hillary Boone, Benchmarks for a Better Vermont

Benchmarks for a Better Vermont is excited to announce the 2015 Results-Based Accountability Training of Trainers with Deitre Epps. Deitre is an internationally renowned RBA expert and will join us in Brattleboro on January 27th and 28th.

The training is specifically designed for individuals experienced with RBA. It prepares participants to teach the concepts of results based accountability and coach others in its implementation.

Participants will learn how to: conduct their own Results-Based Accountability workshops; lead training exercises; and help organizations and their leaders put these practices into operation.

Whether you are hoping to guide your organization through RBA implementation or consult in RBA independently, this training provides the tools and framework to get you started. The training is capped at 24 participants, so be sure to register soon!

hboone@gradschool.marlboro.edu

Meet the Trainer: Deitre Epps is a partner and senior consultant with Results Leadership Group, LLC, the leading resource for Results-Based Accountability™ (RBA) training and software.

For clients including the San Francisco Department of Public Health, Colorado Trust, the Children’s Trust of Miami-Dade County, Benchmarks for Better Vermont, and the U.S. Virgin Islands Children and Families Council, she provides coaching, training, facilitation and technical assistance to senior management and professional staff on local community outcomes, performance accountability and improvement.

Deitre led a Training of Trainers workshop in 2014 in Williston, Vermont and was invited to return because of her high level of skill in presenting, experience with RBA, and ability to answer complex questions from Vermont’s diverse RBA practitioners. For more information about Deitre, please see her full bio on the Results Leadership Group website.

BBF Grant through VCLF

From: Maria Lamberti, Vermont Community Loan Fund

Please find attached the 2015 Building Bright Futures Grant application. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions or prefer the application to be mailed to you. Be sure to share this information with anyone that you feel may be interested.

Maria S. Lamberti, Vermont Community Loan Fund
ph: 802-224-9141 fax: 802-223-1455

NOTE: This grant program is through the Vermont Community Loan Fund and not through the Building Bright Futures organization. Please direct questions and applications to Maria at VCLF.

grant program overview 2014

BBFG 2015 application

Cashflow Projections

Sources & Uses Worksheet

Updates from the Vermont Early Childhood Alliance

From: Kelly Ault, Vermont Early Childhood Alliance

Attend Pre-K Information Meeting – 1/8 at 10:00 am
The Building Bright Futures Early Learning and Development Committee will meet this Thursday, January 8th from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm for a discussion on Act 166 and Pre-K expansion initiatives. Topics will include implementation delay, regional designation, expansion grants and public communications.

Join the meeting at the Vermont Birth to Three Meeting Room (BBF Office, 600 Blair Park Road, Williston) or use the conference call option: 866-951-1151 room: 8602046

Contact Cynthia Greene with any questions at cgreene@buildingbrightfutures.org.

Join Early Childhood Day at the Legislature Planning Call – 1/12 at 1:00 pm
The Alliance will host the first planning call for the 21st annual Early Childhood Day at the Legislature this Monday, January 12th from 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm. Bring your ideas for ensuring the day is a success!

To join the call, RSVP to Kelly Ault at kelly@vteca.org.

Become a Sponsor of Early Childhood Day at the Legislature by 1/23
Join the Alliance and our co-hosts, Let’s Grow Kids and Building Bright Futures, in supporting Early Childhood Day at the Legislature scheduled for March 11, 2015.

Any organization, agency and business whose mission and values align with the goals of the day is invited to contact Kelly Ault at kelly@vteca.org by January 23rd with interest in one of the following sponsorship options:

($2,500) Sponsors receive: Recognition, including logo placement, in/on (9 separate mentions): Materials (webpage and registration materials), Communications (E-network, Facebook), Remarks at the podium, Table tents at constituent/legislator luncheon , Sponsorship banner; Prominent placement of banner/poster provided by sponsor; Full exhibit in prime location

($1,000) Supporters receive: Recognition, including logo placement, in/on (6 separate mentions): Materials (webpage and registration materials), Communications (E-network, Facebook), Remarks at the podium, Table tents at constituent/legislator luncheon , Sponsorship banner; Secondary placement of banner/poster provided by sponsor; Half exhibit in prime location

($500) Advocators receive: Recognition, including logo placement, in/on (3 separate mentions): Materials (webpage and registration materials), Communications (E-network, Facebook), Sponsorship banner

($250) Contributors receive: Recognition, including logo placement, in/on (2 separate mentions)

Early Childhood Leadership Institute

From: Tess Gauthier, Snelling Center for Government

As promised, we are happy to communicate that the application process is now open for the Early Childhood Leadership Institute! Take a moment to read about the program and how to apply.

Tess Gauthier, Snelling Center for Government
Project Manager
802.777.4638 (C)

http://snellingcenter.org/early-childhood-leadership-institute/

2015 Early Childhood Leadership Institute session by session descriptions

Professional Preparation and Development Committee

From: Jen Knauer, Facilitator

Please save the date of Friday, January 23rd for our next PPD meeting, to be held from 9:30AM – 3:00PM at the Upper Valley CCV Academic Center in White River Jct, VT.

What you can expect to see in the agenda this month: We’ll start out the day with Early Learning Challenge Grant announcements, featuring an extended update about progress on the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS).

**Please note! If you have specific questions about any of the ELC grant projects, you are encouraged to send them in advance (see below) and we’ll do our best to have current information/responses available for you at the meeting. Additionally, Betsy will bring updates and discussion points from her role as the PPD representative to Building Bright Futures State Council.

Other activities of the day include finalizing a PPD Committee recommendation on changes to the Career Ladder, locating where the PPD Committee may play a role in the Governor’s Early Childhood Action Plan, and discussing a recent report on the status of livable wages among the early childhood workforce: http://ffyf.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Child-Care-Employment-Report-11.18.14.pdf

Press Release: Children with Incarcerated Parents

From: Karen Conner, Building Bright Futures

We released the new policy brief today via press release. There is a new slider on the BBF home page linking to the paper and it will be added to today’s news clips — coming out next!

Here’s the link to the PRESS RELEASE: (you can follow the link in the release to the full briefing paper)

http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=7763bb183bf0ebf2943ce109f&id=77d7711970

VCCICC Space Available in Montpelier

From: Claire Berry, Family Center of Washington County

Happy New Year from the VT Child Care Industry & Careers Council (VCCICC)!

We have space available for community members in our upcoming Infant & Toddler Development course in Montpelier (the class will meet just 5 times in person and the rest will be online). Send in your application today to take advantage of this great deal for those employed in the child care field and please help us spread the word!

The Vermont Child Care Industry and Careers Council (VCCICC) is offering 5 tuition-free college courses, in partnership with Community College of Vermont, for the Spring 2015 semester. The courses are primarily for those registered in the Child Care Apprenticeship Program with the Dept of Labor, but as space allows, community members are enrolled on a first-come-first-served basis in the order we receive complete applications. All applicants must currently be working with children in VT.

Attached is the course announcement and application to enroll with instructions on how to apply. The deadline to apply is January 9, but please apply early for your best chance of securing a spot in the course you want. There is a $100.00 application fee for community members ($75.00 for VCCICC members). This is a huge savings over the usual cost of tuition for a 3 credit course at CCV!

To keep the application fee at reduced rates for those working with young children, the bulk of the cost for these courses is provided through grant funding received from the VT Child Development Division– we thank them for their ongoing support. Please call or email the staff at VCCICC with any questions. We hope to see you in class in January!

Adri Taylo-Behrman, Community Outreach Coordinator
VT Child Care Industry & Careers Council (VCCICC)
145 Pine Haven Shores Rd, Suite 1137 Shelburne, VT 05482
www.vtchildcareindustry.org
(802) 985-2700 Fax: (802) 497-3030

VCCICC Spring 2015 Course Announcement

Regional Collaborative Training Grant

From: Dawn Powers, Building Bright Futures

See attached for a regional collaborative grant application. The next deadline is March 1st.

Regional_Collaborative_Training_Grant

2/1/13 Updates

February 1, 2013beckyraymond Updates Leave a comment

HOT OFF THE PRESSES

Barre Dabble Day

Saturday, February 2, 2013

DabbleDay flyer 2013

Governor Shumlin’s CCFAP Proposal

Please find attached here an information sheet which holds a more detailed description of the proposal. Feel free to forward this information on to others who may find it helpful and I apologize if you are receiving this information multiple times.

Information on Governor’s proposal

Building Bright Futures – Child Care in the News

For anyone who missed VT Edition today at noon, please click on Finding and Paying for Childcare for this compelling interview! If you recall, the Governor has made child care for low-income Vermonters a priority in his budget this year. That still leaves a lot of middle-income families who are struggling to find and afford someone to help look after their kids. The show explores the landscape of child care in Vermont. Reeva Murphy, Deputy Commissioner of the Child Development Division of the Department for Children and Families, Mitch Golub of the Vermont Achievement Center in Rutland, and Seven Days reporter Ken Picard are guests. Post your questions or comments about child care here or email them to vermontedition@vpr.net.

Tonight, you can watch Governor Shumlin LIVE on Vermont Public Television and phone in to speak with him. Call 1-866-424-LIVE or email connect@vpt.org with your questions about Governor’s plan to increase investments in Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program.

For the Seven Days cover story, go to http://www.7dvt.com/2013what-parents-dont-know-about-vermont-childcare-could-hurt-their-kids

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Job Opening at Orchard Valley

orchard valley

TRAININGS AND WORKSHOPS

Spring Training Calendar

BEST SPRING CALENDAR 2013 (2)

1234 Parent Education Class: Parenting Children 1-4

Class is for Parents with children 1-4.

Wednesdays February 6,13, & 20, 6-8PM

Family Center of Washington County 383 Sherwood Drive Montpelier Early Childhood Building.

A three-part workshop that focuses on the Active Parenting Method which emphasizes open communication and how to raise confident, cooperative children.
Topics include:
· how to discipline your child without violence;
· how to prevent tantrums
· how to childproof your home
· how to care for yourself during the stressful toddler years

To register please call: Christopher Robertson at the Family Center: 262-3292, Ext. 115 for more information or to register and reserve child care.
*Class size is limited to 25 people. Advance registration is required.

Parenting Children 1 to 4 Montpelier

UPCOMING EVENTS

The First Annual Baby & Child Expo
Saturday April 13, 2013 10 am – 3 pm, Montpelier High School

Good Beginnings Baby & Child Expo will bring the best products and services…AND YOU…together in one place for the benefit of moms, dads, expecting parents, and the greater community. In addition, the Expo will be Central Vermont’s first-ever event dedicated to the celebration of our children of all ages!! The fun-filled day will feature live and memorable entertainment for kids and family, a babywearing runway fashion show packed with hysterical surprises, commercial space for baby-related businesses to present their goods and services and so much more.

The Expo will be followed by a screening of the movie “Babies” in the high school auditorium.

This event is open to the community and all are welcome! Any organization, business or professional interested in having a table at the event to promote your goods, products and services is invited to contact Good Beginnings at gbcv91@gmail.com, or visit our website at www.goodbeginningscentralvt.org to download our registration form.

Parents, Educators, and Principals Conference

I wanted to be sure you were aware of this annual conference! Some of you have attended in the past – just want to keep you in the loop. Please join us for the day!!

PPC_registration2013

February Notes from The Children’s Room

February has arrived and while the weather makes up its mind come on down to The Children’s Room for some great programs. This month the Children’s Room is hosting all kinds of fun family activities. Here are some of the highlights:

Open Board Meeting – Everyone is welcome to get involved and give back. We meet this month on Tuesday, February 12th at 6:30 in the Children’s Room. Children are welcome.to play as we meet. Another way to help is to sign up to bring a healthy snack or dessert to Big Toy Night. You can sign up in the room or email me and I can sign you up.

Mark your calendars!! Saturday, February 9th marks the return of BIG TOY NIGHT! This is one of our traditional get togethers for families of children ages birth to six and a great way to overcome cabin fever. Children are invited to bring their trikes, bikes, scooters, and push toys that have been put away for the winter and ride around the indoor track! There will also be crafts for kids to enjoy an infant area for those little ones who can’t yet ride. Come to the Thatcher Brook Primary School Gym from 4-6 p.m. with your children, their helmets, big toys, and an appetite for fun! Pizza and drinks are free. Please bring fruit or a dessert to share if you like. Come join us for an evening of fun! This event is made possible with funding from Central Vermont Building Bright Futures.

Valentine’s Day Party! Join us on Valentine’s Day for a little get together at The Room. Dress in your most festive RED clothes. We’ll be decorating cookies, reading some Valentine’s books and working on some crafts.

Fun in the Snow!! We’ll be heading outdoors on Friday, February 22nd for some fun in the snow to include playing and sculpting with the white fluffy stuff. Hot cocoa will help us keep warm. Let’s hopw the weather cooperates!.

Driving Field Trips: We are off on two driving field trips this month.

Gymnastics: The first is Monday, February 4th to the Central VT Gymnastics. Located in Moretown, minutes from TBPS, we are invited to enjoy their open gym time at reduced rate of $5/child. Go tohttp://www.anissasacrobats.net/for more information.

Swimming: It’s up to Stowe to The Golden Eagle Poolon Monday, February 18th at 10 AM for some fun in the pool. We are invited for some open pool time at the reduced rate of $5/person. This facility is clean and inviting. Floaties are allowed and there are some large stairs for the beginner swimmers to take their first steps with. Hope to see you there! Go tohttp://www.goldeneagleresort.com/or more information.

Story Times: Every Tuesday at 10AM brings a different Story time followed by “open gym”. This month . we will be visiting our very own TBPS library with Nancy Daigle on Tuesday, February 5th. All are encouraged to take books out on loan. The TBPS hosts a wide selection of picture books to enjoy.We have Michelle Willey from the Waterbury Public Library coming to share books, songs and crafts with us on Tuesday, February 12th.

Music and Movement, Art Exploration and Open Gym are scheduled throughout the month for your enjoyment.

The Children’s Room is open every day that school is in session from 8 to 4 PM. Go tohttps://sites.google.com/a/wdsdvt.net/tbps/for the school calendar.

February Notes February 2013

Jaquith Library Events

All Jaquith Library events are free and will be held at the Jaquith Library unless noted otherwise. For info: 426-3581 or e-mail jaquithpubliclibrary@gmail.com or go to our website: marshfield.lib.vt.us.

Art and Author Night with the Grist Mill Guys. Friday, January 25, at 6 p.m. Join us for an art opening of Michael Schumacher’s work followed by a reading at 7 p.m. with author Vince Feeney reading from his short story The Peddler and the Priest. Refreshments will be served.

Classic Film Night with Tom Blachly and Rick Winston: Wednesday, February 6th at 7:00

Annual Contra Dance at the Fritz’s Barn in Marshfield, Friday, February 8 at 7 p.m. Come and dance in Vivien and Mike Fritz’s barn in Marshfield at 693 McCrillis Rd. For directions call 426-3190. Suggested donation: Adults $ 10; Children $ 5. There will be child care provided at the library for a small fee.

Song Circle: Community Sing-A-Long with Rich and Laura Atkinson. Wednesday, February 20, at 6:45 p.m. Everyone has been having a great time singing with Rich and Laura. Singers of all ages and abilities are welcome and song books will be provided.

Art and Author Night. Friday, February 22, at 6 p.m. Join us for an art opening of Emily Johansen’s work followed by a reading at 7 p.m. with author Baron Wormser. Yummy refreshments will be served.

Story Time and Playgroup sponsored by Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council. Wednesdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Join Sylvia Smith for story time, and follow up with Melissa Seifert for playgroup. For children birth to age six, and their grown-ups. We follow the Twinfield Union School calendar and do not hold the program the weeks Twinfield is closed

Monthly Book Group for Adults, Fourth Mondays at 7 p.m. New members are always welcome, and it’s only one hour a month! The Book Group runs during the school year. February’s book is The Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson. For copies of the book, please stop by the library.

Save the Date!! Central VT Job Fair at Montpelier Lodge of Elks & Country Club

Thursday, April 4, 2013 10am-4pm www.centralvtjobfair.com.

GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Grant Writing Basics Training

Cindy Daniels (Vermont Community Loan Fund) February 7, 2013 6:30-8:30 pm

Thatcher Brook Primary School ~ in the Library

Are you a grant seeker? Attend this two hour training and get acquainted with the sections of grant proposals and the information you should provide. You will learn what preparation can be done in advance so you are ready for grant opportunities as they arise. Take some of the “mystery” out of writing a grant proposal. We will focus on the Vermont Birth to Three Small Grant and the Building Bright Futures Facility Fund Grant.

CDA Subject Areas #5,6. Knowledge Areas: Professionalism and Program Organization.

Contact Kelley Hackett 802-355-8281 kjk_76@yahoo.com

Community Garden Grants

National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) with the help of our partner Darden Restaurant Foundation, is making available grants ranging from $2,500 to $7,500 to support community gardens! Get more info and apply here: www.nrpa.org/garden/ Grants will range from $2,500 to $7,500 and may be used to build/expand community garden facilities or programs that result in the donation of produce.

*Applications must be submitted by Wednesday, February 6.*

OTHER INFORMATION AND UPDATES

Green Mountain United Way Volunteer Network at www.gmunitedway.org

If your organization has a need for volunteers, whether for one time or ongoing, please consider posting your needs on this network. Simply click on the Volunteer Network tab on our homepage and then click on the block on the upper right side of the that page that says “Click here if your organization needs volunteers”. Complete the short form that comes up and submit it to us. Your need will be posted very shortly thereafter.

We are happy to provide this service to all of you throughout our service area.

Green Mountain United Way Goods & Services Program

We have many items for distribution including a wide selection of hats, mittens, gloves & scarfs, most homemade, young children through adult sizes, and 1 machine – labeler – DA 590 Rena – it labels envelopes & postcards – no instruction manual

If you or your clients could use any of the items (no items can be sold) please contact Laurie at Green Mountain United Way at 229-9532 or email: lkety@gmunitedway.org to set up a time for pick up.

Council on Homelessness

Governor Shumlin signed Vermont’s five year council on homelessness plan this January. The final document, with an introduction from the Governor, is available on the VCH section of our website.

http://humanservices.vermont.gov/boards-committees/vermont-council-on-homelessness/

Free School Lunches for all Low-Income Students

We recently heard about a bill being introduced in the VT legislature this session that would provide free school lunch to all low-income students. I am excited to share that concurrent with our meeting, Governor Shumlin was endorsing a plan to fund this initiative in his State of the State address. Please see the press release I have pasted below.

While his support is a large step toward making it a reality, this funding must still be approved by the legislature. Therefore it continues to be important to contact your legislators to let them know of your support. … by clicking on the following link to sign the petition: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/School_Lunch_Bill_Petition

Press Release: Governor Proposes Funding to Ensure All Low Income Students Can Access School Lunch

January 10, 2013 (Montpelier, VT)—Today, in his State of the State address, Governor Shumlin has proposed funding to ensure that all low income students have access to school lunch. In Vermont, like states across the nation, school children go without eating because they do not have the money to buy school lunch and there is no food at home. These students struggle to concentrate and do poorly in school. Schools report that low income students who must pay 40 cents for lunch are often the ones going without. These are the working families who make too much for free school meals but not enough to make ends meet.

“We’ve been advocating for this for the past three years,” said Marissa Parisi, Executive Director of Hunger Free Vermont. “We’re thrilled that the Governor understands the importance of adequate nutrition in our children’s success and applaud him for suggesting that Vermont become the first state in the nation to take this step that supports students, working families, and school communities.”

To ensure Vermont’s economic viability, students must be well-educated. Vermont currently spends $1.4 billion on K-12 education. The proposed funding, at a cost of $320,000, would pay the students’ share of reduced price school lunch, ensuring that over 6,000 low income students eat a healthy lunch and are able to fully engage in their studies. With additional meals served in schools, the state funding will leverage an additional $390,000 in federal funds to support school meal programs in Vermont.

Commenting on the Governor’s recommendation, Secretary of Education Armando Vilaseca commented, “As a former school principal, I know that many children go the entire school day without eating. Hungry kids struggle to concentrate and often do poorly in school. This small amount of funding, 40 cents a day per eligible student, will have a huge impact.”

Nutrition & Wellness Tips for Young Children: Provider Handbook for the Child and Adult Care Food Program

http://www.teamnutrition.usda.gov/Resources/nutritionandwellness.html

This handbook was developed by USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Children and Families, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Health Resources and Services Administration to help CACFP child care providers create healthier environments for the children in their care. It includes a series of tip sheets addressing wellness recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2010 and Caring for Our Children: National Health and Safety Performance Standards; Guidelines for Early Care and Education, 3rd Edition. Each tip sheet focuses on a specific topic and includes a practical application section to help providers apply the tips to their child care program. By using the tip sheets when planning meals and activities for children ages 2 to 6 years old, providers can incorporate key recommendations and best practices into their menus and daily schedules.

The success stories shared in the handbook highlight examples of new and exciting ways CACFP child care programs have improved the food they serve children and the activities they plan. Links to additional resources are also included in the publication, which features a new CACFP Wellness Resources Web page. As part of the USDA National Agricultural Library, the Web page is designed to help CACFP participants find the resources they need to meet wellness recommendations.

Target Audience: CACFP Child Care Providers caring for children 2-6 years old

Available: only in PDF. Print copies will be available for online ordering in the Summer of 2013

Tax Credits for Families

Tax credits can be complicated and if families request additional information please direct them to the IRS, Vermont Department of Taxes or their tax preparer. If families have specific questions about the child care programs on the “list of qualifying child care programs” for the Low Income Child and Dependent Tax Credit please direct them to me. They can contact me at 1-800-649-2642 (direct line – 802-769-6001) or email heather.mattison@state.vt.us<mailto:heather.mattison@state.vt.us>

There are several federal and state tax credits that can reduce the taxes you owe, or you could receive a refund. You could qualify if you:

*   Worked in 2012, AND
*   Had children living with you, AND
*   Earned less than $45,060 ($50,270 married filing jointly)

Earned Income Credit – a special tax benefit for working people who earn low or moderate incomes. Workers who qualify for the EIC and file a tax return can get back some or all of the federal income tax that was taken out of their pay during the year. They may also get extra cash back from the IRS.

Child Tax Credit – a federal tax credit worth up to $1,000 in 2012 for each qualifying child under age 17 claimed on the worker’s tax return.

Child and Dependent Care Tax Benefits – If you paid someone to care for a qualifying individual so you (and your spouse if you are married) could work or look for work, you may be able to claim the credit for child and dependent care expense.

Low Income Child And Dependent Care Tax Benefits – If you live in Vermont and paid someone to care for a qualifying individual so you (and your spouse if you are married) could work or look for work, you may be able to claim the credit on the Vermont income tax form for child and dependent care expenses. (Specific provider requirements apply for state credit in Vermont please see http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/child_care_financial_assistance/tax_benefits<http://vermont.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=9a6aebfc0a6fe752e7e9ec925&id=a762159592&e=2de1667e25>)

The information above indicates general requirements for some tax credits. For details about your specific situation please call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040, the Vermont State Department of Taxes at 1-866-828-2865, or your tax preparer.

Contact Information for the Department of Health – Barre District Office

Barre DO Flyer

Support Groups and Workshops

Offered through the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services

Group Flyer 2013

Motherhood Group

Becoming07.12

Pregnancy Group

The Pregnancy Group

The Vermont Psychological Association Presents DSM-5: Controversies, Changes, and Clinical Implications February 8th in Montpelier.

DSM V CE 020813

Labor of Love – A multimedia exhibit celebrating 29 Vermont women and their work February 4th-28th at the State House.

Labor of Love Exhibit

10/9/12 Updates

October 9, 2012beckyraymond Updates Leave a comment

You are cordially invited to attend the Central Vermont Building Bright Futures Council legislative breakfast on Friday, October 12 2012. Join us to speak directly with current legislators, candidates for local house and senate seats and candidates for state offices. The morning will offer time for sharing information and most importantly, for us to hear what legislators and candidates have to say about early education.

Legislators and candidates have all received email invites but if you are able, please consider calling your legislators to encourage them to attend.

Light refreshments will be served.

When: Friday, October 12 8:15-9:15 am
Where: Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice
600 Granger Road, Berlin

Please RSVP to beckyr@fcwcvt.org by Wednesday 10/10/12

Please distribute widely to your contacts and constituents.

Legislative Breakfast Invite

CVBBF Mini Grant Applications Due Soon!

Please submit mini grant applications to beckyr@fcwcvt.org by 10/15/12. Feel free to email if you have any questions. (see attached for application)

Mini Grant app FY’13

Job Opportunities

Part-time Fatherhood Support Coordinator

Good Beginnings of Central VT is seeking a coordinator for our fledgling Fatherhood Support Program. Responsibilities include program outreach, providing one-on-one mentorship, education and resources to fathers, as well as coordinating group activities. The successful candidate must be a self-starter with excellent communication skills, strong initiative and follow-through and a passion for promoting the importance of fatherhood to the well-being of children and families. Please send letter, resume and references to Good Beginnings of Central VT at gbcv91@gmail.com or 174 River St. Montpelier, VT 05602

Full Time Preschool Teacher

The Children’s Early Learning Space is seeking a,full time Preschool Teacher to join our team. Minimum qualifications are a CDA with experience, an Associate degree in early childhood education or related field and a love of children. We offer competitive wages and benefits.

If you fit these requirements, we want to hear from you! Please submit a resume with a cover letter and with 3 references to The Children’s Early Learning Space at 397 Main St. Waterbury VT 05676 or E-mail thechildrensspace@myfairpoint.net (802)244-5980.

preschool teacher advertisment

Family Finding Specialist

The Family Finding Specialist will meet with family members of children involved with Family Services to complete extensive genograms and ecomaps. The purpose of these meetings is to develop an understanding of the family member’s relationship with the parents and children to assist DCF-FSD resource coordinator in assessing these family members as possible placement options should children enter custody.

Desired Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Counseling, Early Childhood Education or related field. Minimum of three years working with children and families, including high-risk families with children age birth to twelve. Experience with home visiting preferred. Knowledge of health, human service and educational agencies in Washington County. Organized documentation skills. Ability to maintain and model good will and balance in stressful situations. Commitment to family-centered, collaborative service delivery.

If you are interested, please contact Dawn Donahue by October 19th at 262-3292 x106, or dawnd@fcwcvt.org.

dcf Family Finding POSTING

Temporary Teaching Aide

Assist in the Preschool program with a specific child in all phases of planning and implementation of developmentally appropriate experiences for children ages three to five years.

~21hours per week, afternoons Mon-Friday, October-April.

Desired Qualifications: Associate’s Degree in early childhood, human/child development or a CDA, Bachelor’s Degree preferred; Two years successful experience in an inclusive child care program; Experience in a cooperative/team setting desirable.

Contact Deidre Hodgson ASAP to express interest or ask questions.
A complete job description is available upon request. deidreh@fcwcvt.org

Temp Teaching Aide

Updates and Information

Put People First candidate forum

Wednesday 10/10/12, 6-8 pm at Montpelier HS

This event is co-sponsored by: Vermont Workers Center, Voices for Vermont Children, Vermont Center for Independent Living, Migrant Justice-Justica Migrante, United Professionals of Vermont, Vermont Federation of Nurses and Health Professionals-AFT, Green Mountain Self Advocates, 350 Vermont, Vermont AFL-CIO, Red Clover Climate Justice, Vermont Homecare Workers East-SEIU

For More Information, contact Angela Timpone at (802) 238-1572 or at atimpone@upvaftt.org

Montpelier Flyer

Mysterious Fall Morning
Free Fun Family Event. Come and Be Creative……
Build, Glue, Tape, Color -all materials provided. Free book for every child
Saturday October 13, 2012, 10:30-11:30 am Aldrich Public Library, Barre

Sponsored by Central Vermont Success by Six. Books by the Barre Elks Lodge#1535

Mysterious fall morning 2012

WCMHS Legislative Breakfast

WCMHS is sponsoring a legislative breakfast on Tuesday, October 16th at 7:30 AM at the Capital Plaza on State Street in Montpelier. We always try to fill the room to overflowing, particularly when it’s an election year. The legislative breakfast is open to all staff, consumers, family members, interested community members ~ everyone is welcome. Please RSVP to Kitty Wilson at 229-1399 ext. 726

Karen Kitzmiller Memorial Winter Coat Drive

This drop-and-swap event is held in memory of Karen Kitzmiller and has grown over the years to fill a critical need in our region. The items that are needed include clean, good quality winter coats, snowpants, snowboots, hats and mittens of all sizes for adults and children, plus quilts, blankets and comforters.

Donations are being accepted now through October 26, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Community National Banks in Barre and Montpelier.

Pickup/Distribution is Saturday, October 27, 2012: