VTAEYC

Lamoille Network: Overcoming Teacher Burnout: Strategies for Change
2026-05-07 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
Early childhood educators do some of the most meaningful work in our communities but the emotional intensity, long hours, and constant demands can lead even the most passionate professionals to feel overwhelmed and exhausted. Through reflection, discussion, and real-life examples from the field, participants will examine the personal and systemic factors that contribute to burnout. Together, we’ll explore strategies that help educators reconnect with what first inspired them to work with young children while building habits and supports that sustain well-being over time.
This is a Lamoille Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Lamoille Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Lamoille Network?”
Date & Time: May 7, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Ellen Drolette
Location: Hyde Park, VT
Click Here to Register

VTAEYC Virtual Policy Committee Meeting
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30
The Policy Committee meets regularly to stay informed and engaged on legislative and policy developments affecting early childhood education. During meetings, members will receive timely updates on state and federal legislative activity, proposed policy changes, and emerging priorities. The committee provides a forum for members to offer feedback on policy proposals, share perspectives from their programs and communities, and reflect on how specific policies may impact their work and the children and families they serve. Meetings also include guidance on advocacy opportunities and concrete ways members can take action to support shared legislative priorities.
This commitee meets the second Thursday of each month from 6:00PM-7:30 PM.
Date and Time: February 12, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
March 12, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
April 9, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
May 14, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Host: Beth Wallace
Location: Zoom
Click HERE to Join the Committee

NAEYC Quality Assessment & Accreditation System Community of Practice - Recognition Tier (Evening)
2026-05-14 18:00 - 19:30
NAEYC Accreditation has long set the national standard for high-quality early learning programs. Accreditation signals to families, educators, and policymakers that a program prioritizes high-quality learning experiences and continuous improvement.
NAEYC has redesigned its Quality Assessment & Accreditation System to better support early learning programs on their path to high-quality early education. The Early Learning Program Quality Assessment and Accreditation System now offers a more inclusive, flexible, and streamlined model that reflects the realities of today’s early learning landscape. This new system is more accessible to all program types and aligned with best practices.
Programs who are interested in diving into the updated NAEYC program standards and aligning their program policies and procedures are invited to join this Community of Practice. Together we will walk through the steps to preparing a NAEYC Recognized application, the first tier in the new Quality Assessment & Accreditation System. By the end of this CoP, programs will have a grounded understanding of the baseline value of NAEYC program standards and how building a foundation of quality is essential for high-quality early learning experiences and environments.
Dates & Times: Thursday, May 14, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Thursday, June 18, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Thursday, July 16, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Thursday, August 6, 2026, 6:00PM-7:30PM
Trainer: Julie Buechler
Location: Zoom
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Play is Learning: The Six C’s of Play
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00
This workshop will teach us the benefits of free and guided play. We will learn how to support child-led learning while exploring the six C’s of play (collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovations, and confidence).
This is a Lyndonville Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Lyndonville Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Lyndonville Network?”
Dates & Times: May 20, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainer: Carrie Becker
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Nature Based Early Childhood Educators Community of Practice
2026-05-20 18:00 - 20:00
Are you currently operating a nature-based program, or ready to grow one? Whether you are refining your outdoor practices or just beginning to imagine what’s possible, this Community of Practice (CoP) is designed to support you with clarity and confidence.
Developing a deep connection to nature is foundational in early childhood, and Vermont educators have been learning outdoors with children, through the seasons, for decades. This shared philosophy unites us, while allowing space for creativity, innovation, and growth.
Together, we will learn from one another, from experienced guest speakers, and from the natural world itself. We will explore topics such as health and safety, seasonal rhythms, advocacy, and program design. Participants in the community of practice will get to participate in a series of four in-person visits to a variety of settings, including a public school UPK program, Family Child Care program, and Center-Based programs so participants will see nature-based early learning environments in a variety of contexts.
A Community of Practice is built on relationships and shared commitment. The hope is that participants can attend most of the sessions to strengthen our experience. Our CoP will be a hybrid model consisting of 6 sessions, 2 virtual and 4 in person at various locations in Washington, Orange, Chittenden, and Caledonia counties. Visiting other programs offers inspiration, practical insight, and the opportunity to reflect on your own next steps. This Community of Practice will inspire you with ideas and build your confidence in how you move forward to implement the program you envision.
Dates & Times: Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Saturday, June 6, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Arianna Van Houten, April Zajko
Locations: Session 1 and Session 6 – Zoom
Session 2: Bradford, VT
Session 3: Hinesburg, VT
Session 4: Barre Town, VT
Session 5: St Johnsbury, VT
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Lamoille Network Training: Nature Play All Summer Long
2026-06-04 18:00 - 20:00
Step outside and let learning unfold in fresh air and open spaces this summer. In this workshop, educators will explore simple, engaging ways to keep children actively learning all summer through nature-based play. Together, we’ll dig into hands-on experiences including gardening, water play, gross motor games, creative arts, and open-ended exploration using natural and everyday materials you already have on hand.
Participants will receive a “digital tool kit” of ideas that are easy to implement, responsive to children’s interests, and aligned with the Vermont Early Learning Standards. Whether you have a full outdoor classroom or just a small patch of green, you’ll walk away with meaningful ways to create joyful, developmentally rich summer experiences.
This is a Lamoille Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Lamoille Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Lamoille Network?”
Dates & Times: June 4, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainer: April Zajko
Location: Hyde Park, VT
Click Here to Register

Infant & Toddler Network: How to Talk to Kids Before They Talk Back - Words that Make them Feel Seen, Heard, and Loved
2026-06-08 18:00 - 19:00
What we say to infants and toddlers shapes far more than behavior. It shapes their brains, early identity, and capacity for connection. In this interactive professional development session, participants will explore the science of early language development through the lens of healthy relationship, human connection, and intentional language.
Pulling from two chapters of Cara’s new book, Talk to Them Early and Often, the session will explore a new language framework: The Talking Triangle. Through functional discussion you will identify how pre- and emerging verbal children turn our words into meaning based identity statements. Educators will also learn and practice a powerful language strategy, The “Yes, No, Maybe” proposition, a linguistic tool for responding to children’s many questions and requests in ways that preserve connection, support regulation, and build collaboration, while setting and holding boundaries.
Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how intentional language builds neural pathways for trust and confidence, along with concrete sentence starters they can immediately apply in infant and toddler classrooms.
This is an Infant & Toddler Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Infant & Toddler Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Infant & Toddler Network?”
Dates & Times: June 8, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Cara Tyrrell
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Burlington South Network: Taxes for Self-Employed Child Care Providers: Forms, Filing & Q&A
2026-09-09 18:00 - 19:00
Running a child care program means wearing many hats — including managing your taxes. This training guides early childhood educators through the essentials of self-employment taxes, including required forms, recordkeeping tips, and common deductions for family child care businesses. The session concludes with an open Q&A to help you leave informed and prepared.
This is a Burlington South Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Burlington South Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Burlington South Network?”
Dates & Times: September 9, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Ashlie Smith
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register
