(Burlington, VT) – National early childhood education (ECE) leaders Michelle Kang, CEO of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), and Marica Cox Mitchell, CPO of the Bainum Family Foundation, joined Vermont early childhood education leaders on June 25 at the Capitol Plaza in Montpelier to celebrate the leaders and advocates helping transform Vermont’s child care system into one that works for children, families, and early childhood educators.
Michelle Kang and Marica Cox Mitchell joined the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) Executive Director, Sharron Harrington to underscore the national attention Vermont is receiving for its progress in recognizing the ECE profession. Their presence highlighted Vermont’s growing reputation as a solution state. In her remarks, Marica Cox Mitchell, called on the field to shift its mindset, saying, “We have to stop falling in love with the problem. Vermont is showing us what’s possible. This is a state with a reputation for solutions.” She added, “When the history of this profession is written, your work will be part of that history.”
“This room is full of individuals who are shaping the future, challenging the status quo, and driving the change we want to see in early childhood education in Vermont,” said Sharron Harrington, Executive Director of VTAEYC. “This celebration was a reminder of the power of shared vision and sustained advocacy.”
The celebration honored several groups and individuals: First, the Advancing the Profession Taskforce was recognized. This group, led by Project Coordinator Susan Titterton, has helped propel Vermont’s ECE profession to where it is today. She has led the Taskforce with vision, deep commitment, and collaborative spirit since 2019. “She brought together a passionate and diverse group of early childhood educators and leaders from across the state. Drawing on her experience as a paraeducator, teacher, counselor, principal, and trainer, her leadership has been instrumental in guiding the Taskforce’s work and strengthening the foundation for Vermont’s early childhood educators,” said Sharron Harrington. Taskforce Members included Beth Traver Adolphus of Pownal; Laura Butler of Milton; Stacie Curtis; Cadence Di Masi of Burlington; Kim Freeman of Brattleboro; Christina Goodwin of Burlington; Alyson Grzyb of Bennington; Tammy Hazlett of Thetford; Kelly Hayes of Moretown; Maria Ionello; April Jajko of St. Johnsbury; Laurie Metcalfe of Manchester Center; Meghan Meszkat of Bennington; Jen Olson of New Haven; Lisa Pike of Bradford; Staci Otis of Springfield; Susan Torncello of Burlington; Lorraine Vernet of Morrisville; Nicole Walker of Stowe; and Su White of Middlebury.
LouAnn Beninati of Let’s Grow Kids was also honored for her decades of leadership and tireless advocacy on behalf of Vermont’s youngest children. In a heartfelt tribute, Aly Richards, CEO of Let’s Grow Kids, referred to LouAnn as the “Godmother of Vermont’s ECEs”, a title that reflects her enduring influence and legacy in shaping the early childhood education movement across the state.
The event closed with a conversation about the future of early childhood education and advocacy led by Aly Richards and Beth Wallace, Director of Engagement at VTAEYC, who encouraged continued collaboration and action to sustain momentum for Vermont’s early childhood education profession. As the state’s leading advocacy and policy organization for the child care system, VTAEYC remains committed to elevating the voices of early childhood educators, as the state works toward building a fully recognized, professional early childhood workforce.
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About VTAEYC
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. As a nonprofit organization formed by a grassroots effort 50+ years ago and now with nearly 700 members, VTAEYC offers advocacy, workforce development, professional development and other resources to its membership and others in the early childhood education field. VTAEYC aims to meet the needs of today’s early childhood education workforce and create a stronger, more equitable early childhood education system for the future. Learn more: vtaeyc.org
