Publicly Funded Prekindergarten Education
Vermont school districts have the option of providing publicly funded prekindergarten (preK) education for three- to five-year-olds by establishing partnerships with qualified early care and education programs, by operating a preK program directly or by doing both.
- Act 62 - An Act Relating to Prekindergarten Education
Act 62
was signed into law in 2007. It reaffirms a long-standing practice of state and local support for publicly-funded prekindergarten education for 3-5 year old children by schools and private programs. While not a mandatory program for towns or children, it allows interested communities to provide limited early education services in quality settings. NOTE: This link also provides information about Act 132 of 2008 (An Act Related to Ensuring Quality in Prekindergarten Programs) that amended Act 62 in three major ways.
Early Education Initiative (EEI)
Established by the Legislature in 1987, EEI prepares at-risk preschool children for success in kindergarten and beyond. EEI serves children who are ineligible or inadequately served by existing early childhood education programs. Coordinated with community programs to avoid duplication and to make the best possible use of resources, EEI services also fill gaps created by restrictive requirements or insufficient resources.
Essential Early Education (EEE)
This statewide program coordinates early childhood special education services for children ages three through five. Services are administered by local school districts in conjunction with local early childhood service providers to ensure inclusive educational environments.
Even Start Family Literacy
The Even Start Family Literacy program is a federally funded program model that integrates adult, parenting and early childhood education into a comprehensive family literacy program to break the intergenerational cycle of poverty and low literacy. Even Start programs offer educational services primarily children from birth through age 7 and their parents. Families are selected for services based on their level of economic and educational needs. Even Start builds on existing high-quality adult, early education and parenting services to provide family-centered programming of sufficient duration and intensity to support high educational achievements and economic self sufficiency.
Family, Infant and Toddler Project of Vermont
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) - Part C provides for early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. Implementation of these services in Vermont is through a family-centered coordinated system called the Family, Infant and Toddler Project of Vermont. The Agency of Human Services and the Vermont Department of Education share responsibility for implementation as co-lead agencies. The Vermont Department of Health, as project partner, provides administrative support.
Title I Preschool/Migrant Preschool Services
Many Vermont school districts receive federal Title I funds to provide compensatory education services to children considered at-risk or disadvantaged. Title I funds may be used to support a school’s preschool program for these children. In addition, three- and four-year old children who qualify for migrant status are eligible to receive early education services supported by federal funds. |