VTAEYC

Burlington North Network Event: Community Luau Party
2026-05-15 18:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | The Grange, 135 River Street, Milton, VT, 05468, United States
Join the Burlington North Network for a community Luau Party event. Expect family-friendly dancing, light refreshments, a raffle, and opportunities to connect with community members.
Date and Time: May 15, 2026 from 6:00PM-9:00PM
Location: 135 River Street, Milton, VT 05468
Click Here to View the Flier.

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, & Locations:
Session 1: Zoom, Wednesday, May 20, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Session 2: Bradford, VT, Saturday, June 13, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Session 3: Hinesburg, VT, Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Session 4: Graniteville, VT, Saturday, August 8, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Session 5: St Johnsbury, VT, Saturday, September 19, 2026, 10:00AM-12:30PM
Session 6: Zoom, Wednesday, October 7, 2026, 6:00PM-8:00PM
Trainers: Arianna Van Houten, April Zajko
Click Here to Register

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

VTAEYC Virtual Policy Committee Meeting
2026-06-11 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-07-30 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-09-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-10-08 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-11-12 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-12-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2027-01-14 18:00 - 19:30, 2027-02-11 18:00 - 19:30 and 3 more dates
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:
June 11, 2026, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
July 30, 2026, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM *please note this meeting falls outside of the typical schedule*
September 10, 2026, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
October 8, 2026, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM
Host: Beth Wallace
Location: Zoom
Click HERE to Join the Committee

Preschool Network: An Intro to Reggio Emilia
2026-06-18 18:00 - 19:00
Designed for preschool teachers who are new to the Reggio Emilia approach to education, this online workshop introduces the big ideas behind play-based, child-led learning — including how to watch and listen more closely to children, use your classroom environment intentionally, and let children’s curiosity drive what happens next.
This is a Preschool Network Training. If you are interested in joining the Preschool Network, please select the appropriate option within the question: “Are you a member of the Preschool Network?”
Date & Time: June 18, 2026, 6:00PM-7:00PM
Trainer: Cecelia Puleio
Location: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Early Childhood Educators: Vermont Department of Health Q&A
2026-07-09 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-09-10 13:00 - 14:00
Please join us for an hour of conversation with the VT Department of Health.
As we continue the partnership between the VDH and leaders of ECE programs, we will be hosting on-going check-ins offering up-to-date health information and the opportunity to ask questions.
Please submit questions ahead of time when you sign up!
Click Here to Register

2nd Edition Infant/Toddler CLASS Certification
2026-07-14 08:30 - 2026-07-16 16:30
CLASS 2nd Edition Infant–Toddler Observer Certification Training is a hybrid three-day, hands-on training that prepares individuals to certify as CLASS observers with proven reliability in measuring the quality of educator-child interactions across a diversity of settings. With this comprehensive training, participants develop their understanding of the CLASS tool, learn how to formally observe interactions, and become certified to document the quality of interactions, setting the stage for data-driven program improvement.
Dates & Times: Tuesday, July 14th, 2026, 8:30AM-4:30PM
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026, 8:30AM-4:30PM
Thursday, July 16th, 2026, 8:30AM-4:30PM
Trainer: Nichole Bearor
Locations: Day 1: In person, Vermont State University Randolph Campus, 124 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Day 2 & 3: Zoom
Click Here to Register

Discoveries in the Atelier: Making Marks, Exploring Materials, Representing our Stories (VECN)
2026-07-15 17:30 - 19:30 | Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street, Winooski, VT, 05404, United States
Join fellow Vermont Early Childhood Network members for a special evening of connection and inspiration as we explore Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material, an internationally renowned exhibition from Reggio Emilia. In partnership with RIVET, the Vermont Early Childhood Networks are pleased to offer this unique opportunity for educators to reflect on children’s creativity, communication, and meaning making through drawing, mark making, storytelling, and materials.
Participants will engage in a guided exploration of the exhibition and atelier, followed by hands-on experiences with mark making tools and materials designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and reflection. Together, we will consider how children use marks, words, and materials to express ideas, construct meaning, and communicate their understanding of the world.
This free two hour session offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition through the lens of early childhood education while building relationships with other educators who share a commitment to high quality learning experiences for young children. Professional development hours are available.
Space is limited to 25 attendees. If this session fills, or if you would like to explore additional opportunities, please visit the links below:

Additional exhibition and atelier sessions hosted by VTAEYC
Additional exhibition and atelier sessions hosted by RIVET
Learn more about the international exhibition

Interested in joining a Vermont Early Childhood Network? VECNs bring early childhood educators together through professional development, networking, and supportive communities. New members are welcome. You can find more information here: www.vtaeyc.org/vecn
Click here to register.

Discoveries in the Atelier: Making Marks, Exploring Materials, Representing our Stories (FCCH)
2026-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street, Winooski, VT, 05404, United States
Family Child Care Session
Date & Time: July 18, 2026, 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Trainer: Susan Torncello and RIVET educators
Join fellow family child care home owners from across Vermont for a special morning of connection and inspiration as we explore Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material, an internationally renowned exhibition from Reggio Emilia. In partnership with RIVET, VTAEYC is pleased to offer this unique opportunity for family child care home owners to reflect on children’s creativity, communication, and meaning making through drawing, mark making, storytelling, and materials.
Participants will engage in a guided exploration of the exhibition and atelier, followed by hands on experiences with mark making tools and materials designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and reflection. Together, we will consider how children use marks, words, and materials to express ideas, construct meaning, and communicate their understanding of the world.
This free two session offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition through the lens of early childhood education while connecting with other family child care home owners who share a commitment to high quality learning experiences for young children. Professional development hours are available.
Click here to register

Discoveries in the Atelier: Making Marks, Exploring Materials, Representing our Stories (Infant/Toddler)
2026-07-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street, Winooski, VT, 05404, United States
Infant/Toddler Session
Date & Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Trainer: Susan Torncello and RIVET educators
Join fellow infant and toddler educators from across Vermont for an afternoon of connection and inspiration as we explore Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material, an internationally renowned exhibition from Reggio Emilia. In partnership with RIVET, VTAEYC is pleased to offer this unique opportunity for educators to reflect on the many ways infants and toddlers communicate, explore, and make meaning through movement, sensory experiences, mark making, and relationships.
Participants will engage in a guided exploration of the exhibition and atelier, followed by hands on experiences with mark making tools and materials designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and reflection. Together, we will consider how even our youngest learners use marks, words, gestures, and materials to express ideas, build connections, and communicate their understanding of the world.
This free two session offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition through the lens of infant and toddler education while connecting with other educators who share a commitment to responsive, relationship based learning experiences for young children. Professional development hours are available.
Click Here to Register.

Discoveries in the Atelier: Making Marks, Exploring Materials, Representing our Stories (Preschool)
2026-07-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Winooski School District, 60 Normand Street, Winooski, VT, 05404, United States
Preschool Session
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Trainer: Susan Torncello and RIVET educators
Join fellow preschool educators from across Vermont for an evening of connection and inspiration as we explore Mosaic of Marks, Words, Material, an internationally renowned exhibition from Reggio Emilia. In partnership with RIVET, VTAEYC is pleased to offer this unique opportunity for educators to reflect on children’s creativity, communication, and meaning making through drawing, mark making, storytelling, and materials.
Participants will engage in a guided exploration of the exhibition and atelier, followed by hands on experiences with mark making tools and materials designed to spark curiosity, creativity, and reflection. Together, we will consider how preschool age children use marks, words, and materials to express ideas, represent their thinking, construct knowledge, and communicate their understanding of the world.
This free two hour session offers a unique opportunity to experience the exhibition through the lens of preschool education while connecting with other educators who share a commitment to fostering creativity, inquiry, and meaningful learning experiences for young children. Professional development hours are available.
Click Here to Register.

2nd Edition Pre-K CLASS Certification
2026-07-28 08:30 - 2026-07-30 16:30
CLASS 2nd Edition Pre-K Observer Certification Training is a hybrid three-day, hands-on training that prepares individuals to certify as CLASS observers with proven reliability in measuring the quality of educator-child interactions across a diversity of settings. With this comprehensive training, participants develop their understanding of the CLASS tool, learn how to formally observe interactions, and become certified to document the quality of interactions, setting the stage for data-driven program improvement.
Dates & Times:
Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 8:30am-4:30pm
Wednesday, July 29, 2026, 8:30am-4:30pm
Thursday, July 30, 2026, 8:30am-4:30pm
Trainer: Nikki Bearor
Location: Day 1: In person: Vermont State University Randolph Campus, 124 Admin Dr, Randolph Center, VT 05061
Day 2 & 3: 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

Early Childhood Educators: Vermont Department of Health Q&A
2026-11-12 13:00 - 14:00, 2027-01-14 13:00 - 14:00, 2027-03-11 13:00 - 14:00, 2027-05-13 13:00 - 14:00
Please join us for an hour of conversation with the VT Department of Health.
As we continue the partnership between the VDH and leaders of ECE programs, we will be hosting on-going check-ins offering up-to-date health information and the opportunity to ask questions.
Please submit questions ahead of time when you sign up!
Registration link will be shared soon.
