Champlain Valley Head Start

08/21/2026

Food assistance programs are OUR programs, and they’re still here for us.

Right now, we’re seeing the largest participation decline in SNAP in three decades. This time last year, 5,000 more people were connected to 3SquaresVT (Vermont’s name for SNAP). Caseload decline is only good news if people no longer need help. But we know food costs remain high and economic insecurity persists.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, refer to this summer edition sheet and share it across your community as food is a necessity for everyone.

08/18/2026

Please join us this Thursday, August 20th from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Fletcher Free Library for free health and developmental screenings!

Screenings for children ages 5 and under. Snacks provided!

08/12/2026

The Administration for Children and Families has released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), proposing a rewrite of the Head Start Program Performance Standards that would result in the most significant changes since its inception. This does not alter the Head Start Act, which is a law established and authorized by Congress.

The 60 day federal public comment period ends 10/6/26 at which point the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reviews, provides a written response, and issues a final rule with an effective date.

None of these changes will go into effect for the beginning of this program year. This is a proposal and does not change how Head Start programs operate today. It does not reduce federal funding, classrooms and programs remain open, and services continue. Champlain Valley Head Start is committed to upholding the highest standards of care and fulfilling our requirements under the federal law and state licensing regulations.

Everyone connected to Head Start is encouraged to submit comments by 10/6/26 with specific details on how the proposal could affect the children and families your program serves.

➡For a guide on submitting a comment, please visit: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnKPdYNg78QTRDSVHZaQOvrJa-huaFT8/edit

➡To view the NPRM and and submit a comment, go to: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/08/07/2026-16134/reducing-federal-burden-for-head-start-programs

08/05/2026

Did you know it's World Breastfeeding Week? Global Health Media Project has a variety of informative breastfeeding videos on their website for parents in numerous different languages. Topics include breastfeeding in the first hours, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, what to do about pain, and more.

To view the videos, visit https://globalhealthmedia.org/video/?_topic=breastfeeding&_language=english&_audience=mothers-and-caregivers&~1

Here in Vermont, Vermont Department of Health's Breastfeeding Friendly Employer Project promotes policies and recognizes workplaces that support and accommodate breastfeeding employees: https://www.healthvermont.gov/wellness/worksite-wellness/promote-family-friendly-workplace

When new parents are supported, families and babies are healthier and happier.♥

Videos Archive - Global Health Media Project

08/03/2026

Toddlers are still learning how to communicate, so their behavior often speaks louder than their words. Between ages 1 and 3, they're learning to express emotions, test boundaries, explore their world, and become more independent. That's why it's completely normal to see:

- Frequent use of the word "no"
- Big reactions to changes in routine
- Tantrums when they're tired, overwhelmed, or can't express what they need
- Clinginess during separation or in new situations
- Defiance as they learn where the boundaries are

These behaviors aren't signs that something is wrong. They're part of healthy brain development.

Explore the Baby Brain Map, our interactive guide to the science of early brain development, and discover how everyday moments help build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and well-being: https://bit.ly/4w3j4jg

07/31/2026

🚚BIG TRUCK DAY in Bristol on Saturday!!!🚛

07/30/2026

CVOEO's Office of Racial Equity and Community Inclusion (ORECI) works alongside a network of trusted Community Ambassadors to help bridge language and cultural barriers throughout our region. As paid bi- and multi-lingual leaders with lived experience, Community Ambassadors connect New American and BIPOC community members to essential services, including housing, healthcare, food, transportation, education, financial resources, and more.

CVOEO's Community Ambassadors also facilitate workshops, one-on-one support, and Resource Navigation events that empower community members with information on topics like homeownership, small business development, credit and money management, tax preparation, tenant skills, and higher education.

In addition to this community-centered work, CVOEO's ORECI provides fee-for-service interpretation, translation, cultural brokering, outreach, and proofreading for organizations in more than 15 languages, helping partners expand language access and better serve multilingual communities.

Together, CVOEO's ORECI and Community Ambassadors are building stronger connections, expanding access to critical resources, and helping create more equitable communities for everyone.

Language access is about more than translation -it's about creating meaningful connections and ensuring everyone can access the resources they need. To learn more about CVOEO's ORECI or request language services, visit cvoeo.org/about-us/office-of-racial-equity.

07/24/2026

At Champlain Valley Head Start, children are served healthy breakfasts, lunches and snacks every day. Often they are part of the preparation process!

These activities provide rich learning experiences, involving everything from math and science concepts to fine motor and executive functioning skills.

🐻 Check out these *Teddy Bear Smoothies* prepared at Addison County Early Learning Center in New Haven. They are made with strawberries, bananas, and Greek yogurt. YUM!!! Nutritious and delicious! 😋🍓🍌

07/20/2026

Enrollment is now open for the 2026-2027 school year, and Champlain Valley Head Start is expanding opportunities for families in Addison County!

The Addison County Early Learning Center in New Haven is currently enrolling toddlers and preschoolers. Beginning this year, the Early Learning Center's preschool program will operate year-round, helping meet families' needs for reliable, consistent early care and education.

With a rich learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, and friendship, the Early Learning Center helps children build the skills and confidence they need for success in school and beyond.

Champlain Valley Head Start programs are available at no cost to eligible families.

Learn more or apply on the Champlain Valley Head Start website: champlainvalleyheadstart.org/