64% of Vermont Child Care Businesses Are Optimistic About the Future, Highest Among Five States Surveyed
Vergennes — Vermont’s child care businesses report stronger finances, greater optimism and lower financial risk than those in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Oregon, according to a new national report from First Children’s Finance assessing business stability in child care. In 2025, 43% of Vermont child care centers opened new classrooms, reopened previously closed classrooms or added a new site—the highest rate among the five states surveyed. Of the 152 Vermont child care businesses surveyed, 64% said they were optimistic about their business's future. The findings come as Vermont’s child care system shows signs of greater stability after years of contraction. For providers, that creates more room to sustain and grow; for families, it offers greater confidence that care will be available; and for employers, it strengthens an essential part of the workforce infrastructure.
