Vermont
Working families in Vermont need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Vermont. But too many working families in Vermont are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Vermont economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 34K children ages 5 and under in Vermont – 74% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Vermont is around $18,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 16% of eligible families in Vermont. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Vermont earn just $35,990 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Vermont’s economy loses $195M annually due to child care challenges.
Vermont: In The Headlines
Editorial: Head Start
Rutland Herald | September 19, 2024
For six decades, Head Start has served more than 40 million children and families seeking early childhood education opportunities.
Overcoming pitfalls in the search for child care
WCAX | June 12, 2025
In a state strapped for child care, finding a provider can take months. But even after securing a spot, some parents find out it’s not always the right fit.
Otter Creek Child Center to expand amid overwhelming child care demand in Addison County
Fast Company | September 29, 2025
Local leaders said increased offerings in the area come none too soon, as a recent influx of public money to child care provides an opportunity for recovery from Covid-era hardship.
Vermont Resources & News
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