Vermont’s Building Bright Futures Council NGA Policy Institute Birth to 3 rd Grade Policy Agenda May 9-10

Three Topics in 15 minutes or Less History and Current Model Work Plan Lessons Learned VT Building Bright Futures Council

History and Current Model 1988 Gov’s Partnership in Child Care 1994 Child Care Fund of Vermont Regional EC Councils formed 2001 Smart Start TA grant 2006 Building Bright Futures Exec Order 2010 Legislation: BBF as a stand-alone 2011 BBF receives 501c3 status VT Building Bright Futures Council

BBFC Work Plan Secured 501c3 IRS determination Leadership transition: new Exec. Director Defining our “role” – Early Years Matter; lead forum for policy agenda; partner to statewide advocacy organization Governance transition: achieving greater “private” balance Planning: strategic plan, fundraising plan, systems evaluation VT Building Bright Futures Council

BBFC Lessons Learned Governance models can change over time Leadership styles will differ with organizational development Regional infrastructure and tie with State Council is key. Both require paid leadership. Money talks: Private fundraising helps legitimize the governance shift Keep business close: Private sector engagement helps ensure action/movement System evaluation and outcome data contribute to sustainability VT Building Bright Futures Council