Vermont has a rich history of leading the nation on important issues affecting children and families. Let’s Grow Kids, with its collaborating funders, now seeks to establish Vermont as a model for the nation in early learning. Our vision is for Vermont to be the BEST place to raise a family and our mission is to ensure that all Vermont families have affordable access to high-quality child care by the year 2025.

Research has consistently shown that the first five years are the most critical time in human development and that children who have high-quality early learning and development opportunities experience greater success in school, relationships and life. For a state or a nation to have an effective education system and strong economy, its government, in partnership with the private sector, must establish policy that places a priority on early learning and must provide the necessary funding for excellence in an early care and education system that is affordable for all children.

To achieve our mission, we are working with our partners throughout the state—including business, education and health care leaders, elected officials and local communities—to build a high-quality child care system, and our network of over 30,000 supporters includes dedicated volunteers who advocate for increased public investment in child care so that it’s affordable for Vermont’s families and early educators. Through the hard work and grit of these partners and supporters, LGK has grown from a small public awareness campaign to a statewide movement and a powerful force for change.Vermont has the advantage of being a solution-sized state where we can be nimble, build consensus and accomplish great things. With only 6,000 babies born annually, Vermont is well-positioned to be a model for how a determined community can deliver affordable access to high-quality child care for all.