There are some big transitions coming for me both personally and professionally this coming year and it has me thinking about sunsets. Why we are so fascinated by this very mundane thing that happens every day? Sure it’s often a beautiful show of colors across the sky, but I think more than that, we are fascinated because it is that moment that it is neither day nor night, neither today nor tomorrow. That inbetweenness almost exists outside of time, and it’s filled with opportunity, and some sadness. It’s something we know is coming and yet it can take us by surprise in that moment.
Let’s Grow Kids has long talked about its sunset in 2025. We have known would come for years and yet I am a little surprised it is actually here. These next several months are that liminal time of dramatic, fiery color splashed across the sky, when we wonder if the passing clouds will heighten the experience or obstruct it from view.
For many of us who have worked closely with Let’s Grow Kids, we feel both the opportunity and the sadness of this sunset. First Children’s Finance, VTAEYC, Building Bright Futures, Let’s Grow Kids Action Network and others have prepared for this moment and are ready to live into the next day, but the absence of many of our LGK colleagues will be challenging.
The new child care system that LGK helped to bring about is here. It is up to us to nurture it until the sun rises on a Vermont that meets the needs of all its families.
Reach out to us at infovt@firstchildrenfinance.org
-Erin Roche, Vermont Director, First Children's Finance
Need Access to Capital?
We will use this space in the coming months to feature some of our Make Way for Kids Infant/Toddler Capacity grant awardees. See what programs are saying about how the funds have helped them accomplish their goals, support their vision and make an impact on the communities around them. If you have questions about access to capital for your child care business, about upcoming grant opportunities, or would like to be on the list for the next grant cycle reach out to vtgrants@firstchildrensfinance.org
“These funds made it possible for me to have a safe and inviting space, especially outside. I was able to set up an outdoor space that is ideal for safety and fun!” - Lindsey R.
“These funds have done absolutely everything to help me achieve my goal of opening a home childcare program. I’ve always only been a preschool teacher. I didn’t see how it could ever be possible for me to make enough money to even think about doing the renovations I needed to do to my house and property to be able to design my dream preschool. I am now able to create a beautiful, welcoming environment that I am proud to offer to my community.” - Maria P.
If you are looking for more flexible capital than the Infant/Toddler grants, there are loan funds available. First Children’s Finance and the Vermont Community Loan Fund can help.
First Children’s Finance Loan Fund is a national nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), and there are loans available in Vermont. For more information, see the business loan inquiry site.
Business Sustainability
Here we are in July, and the warmth is finally here to stay, we hope!
The team has been able to enjoy time with friends and family for the holiday and we have also been able to reflect on the fun things that happened in June to support business sustainability, mainly the planning and preparation for our offerings that will take place in the fall like our Start-up Child Care Business Boot Camp.
Maybe you or someone you know has been thinking about starting their own business. If that’s the case, this two-day, four-hour session will give you an edge and information needed to really jump in. Participants will:
Build the core skills to start and run a successful child care business Refine business ideas and develop sustainable policies Learn to manage finances and create a budget Create a simple, effective marketing plan Explore key business concepts through: case studies, individual & group exercises, classroom discussions
Our Business Services
All of our business services, including professional development, are available to you at NO CHARGE, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled on Northern Lights and register for upcoming trainings.
Our final Business Planning Cohort is now under way! This group of 22 entrepreneurs joins our Business Development Team to make a big change for their business or open up a program that is brand new. Participants work to develop a business plan, join group discussions, consult with the FCF VT team and have the opportunity to listen to professionals throughout the state on a variety of panel discussions. Some insights from past BPC’s:
“This cohort was the motivation and collaborative support I needed to help get my ideas off the ground and start running!” - Trisha M.
“I feel much more knowledgeable about my business and how to present it to potential funding sources. I will likely use the information to expand my program. I might even consider opening a center in the future. “ - Jody B.
Questions about how FCF VT can help your business? Reach out to infovt@firstchildrensfinance.org or watch this fun video about FCF in VT.
From Our Partners!
Let’s Grow Kids is hosting a webinar about Vermont Health Connect on July 22. Presenters from Vermont Health Access will explain health insurance options available through the State Marketplace, talk about financial assistance, and how early childhood educators can apply. If offering health insurance benefits to staff has been a challenge, learn if VHC could be an option.
Vermont Business of Social Responsibility (VBSR) is hosting a free workplace wellbeing three-part virtual series “Empowering Employees to Resolve Financial Stress”. There are two more sessions coming up.
Vermont State University is holding their Early Childhood Educators Institute on July 29, July 31, August 5 & August 7. The institute is designed for anyone providing support, services and education in the early childhood field.
Extra, Extra!
In partnership with VTAEYC and SPARQS, SharedServicesVT has some new resources for you!
Resource of the month: Business Quick Tips
- Resources that are designed to help you navigate common HR, finance, and operations challenges. Use them to strengthen your business and stay competitive. Start exploring!
SharedServicesVT is your resource HUB for all things child care and ECE. You need a membership, but it’s free!
FCF News!
June was a month of celebration, growth and connection for the Vermont ECE field!
Orange County Parent Child Center celebrated the work that is being done at their future location in Rutland; the Woodland Campus. Leaders throughout the state, ECE supporters and ECE partners were at the event sharing remarks and excitement about the progress being done in the location that will eventually have space for 88 children. First Children’s Finance was excited to be a part in this recognition event. Pittsford Village Farm also hosted a fun groundbreaking event, and we were honored to be a part of it. We're excited to continue supporting their inspiring journey ahead.
FCF VT held a Vermont Benefits Webinar, where we brought in a few guests to share valuable information about the various benefit options available here in Vermont that the ECE field could take advantage of.
First Children’s Finance VT is excited to have hit 300 followers on Facebook! To celebrate, we selected a random follower to win a prize & Kate Daniels at Creative Nursery Program was the lucky winner. We look forward to recognizing milestones and hope to continue to offer helpful resources and updates through our social channels. If you don’t already follow us, now is your chance! Follow us on Facebook!
What Would Licensing Say?
Last but not least, our fun staff spotlight is back for round two and we have a great one for you this month! We’ve asked each of the FCF VT team to tell a little story and then answer the question “What would licensing say?” You can hear from none other than our director and fearless leader, Erin Roche!
It's Riddle Time!
You made it to the end! Now, it’s time for the FCF monthly challenge:
We had a handful of entries for our last riddle. The answer to what can you catch, but not throw? A cold! Our winner for fastest correct entry was Bonnie Thomas- well done!
Here is this month’s riddle: What has to be broken before you can use it?
First person to reach out to infovt@firstchildrensfinance.org with the correct answer will win a prize!
Find Where You Need to Go!
The Vermont Business and Technical Assistance Program (BTAP) provides expert business training, technical assistance and consulting to help start, sustain, and grow child care businesses. The BTAP is made possible through a grant to FCF by the Vermont Agency of Human Services, Department for Children and Families, Child Development Division. The Vermont BTAP is a partnership between First Children’s Finance and Let’s Grow Kids.