Burlington, Vt: The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is proud to announce that Governor Phil Scott has officially declared April 5-11, 2025, as the Week of the Young Child (WOYC) in Vermont. This proclamation recognizes the importance of early childhood education in Vermont.
“I encourage all Vermonters to recognize the vital role of early childhood education in shaping the future of our children, families, and communities. This celebration highlights the dedication of early childhood educators and the importance of high-quality learning experiences in fostering strong foundations for lifelong success,” cited the proclamation signed by Governor Scott. “Vermont is proud to lead the nation in advancing the profession of early childhood education, recognizing the critical role of a well-trained and professional workforce in shaping the future of our children, families, and communities.” Through the proclamation, Governor Scott encourages local communities across the state to participate in events and activities during the WOYC.
In honor of WOYC, VTAEYC has awarded mini grants to five child care programs across the state to support their activities through the week. This year’s grant recipients are VTAEYC members Danielle Longtin (Sunrise Family Resource Center, Bennington), Samantha Fried (Sensations in Learning, Williston), Olivia Smith (Myers Prouty Children’s Campuses Inc., Bennington), Emily Stewart (ONE Arts Community Schools, Burlington), and Katie Hopps (Early Care and Education Association, Hartford).
“The Week of the Young Child is a wonderful time of celebration and a great opportunity for programs in Vermont to have fun, and showcase the essential role they play in supporting children and families throughout the state,” said Sharron Harrington, Executive Director of VTAEYC. “Since 1971, our parent organization NAEYC has led this national celebration to raise awareness about the needs of young children and to honor the educators who work tirelessly to meet those needs.”
This year’s celebration comes as Vermont continues its efforts to establish early childhood education as a licensed profession. A proposed ECE profession bill is currently under review in the Vermont legislature, marking a significant step forward for the field.
For more info about Week of the Young Child, visit www.naeyc.org/events/woyc
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About VTAEYC
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort 50 years ago and now with 500+ members, VTAEYC offers advocacy, workforce development, professional development and other resources to its membership and others in the early childhood education field. VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s early childhood education workforce and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future. Learn more: vtaeyc.org
