Building Bright Futures

10/14/2026

Update! Tonight's Manchester event and tomorrow's Rutland event are now one event, tonight, virtual only! Please join us at 6 PM for the conversation at this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4514682158?omn=84037508533

10/08/2026

We've loved traveling around the state the past few weeks and hearing from candidates about their priorities related to children and families--this picture is from last night's forum in Newport. There's still time to attend these forums if you live near Barre (Oct. 8, 5-7), Middlebury (October 13, 6-7:30), Saint Albans (October 15, 1-2:30) or Brattleboro (October 21, 5-6:30)!

10/07/2026

This fall, we'll be hosting our Child Care Conversation series around the state, and we want to hear from you! The conversations are for families, early educators and other providers, or employers--please share your insight and thoughts!

10/06/2026

There's still time to submit a public comment about Head Start! See the guide to submitting a comment here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnKPdYNg78QTRDSVHZaQOvrJa-huaFT8/edit

10/06/2026

Deadline is tonight!

Head Start works because the voices of programs, families, and communities are part of the conversation.

As the federal government considers proposed changes to the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS), programs, associations, partners, alumni, parents, and caregivers have an opportunity to share what matters most to them and what they want decision-makers to consider.

NHSA created a step-by-step guide to help you prepare your public comment, with tips for drafting your submission and questions to help you get started.

The public comment period is open through October 6, 2026. Use our guide to share your perspective, encourage others in the Head Start community to participate, and submit your comment before the deadline: https://nhsa.org/nprm-resources/how-to-speak-up-for-head-start/submit-a-public-comment/

09/30/2026

Starting tonight, you can attend forums all around Vermont to hear directly from candidates about their plans for the upcoming legislative session.

09/22/2026

Families across a wide range of incomes are struggling to meet their basic needs, but in Vermont, child care payments are bucking the trend.

This is what Act 76 looks like in practice: real dollars back in families' pockets, not hypothetical or aspirational ones.

The full data, across income levels and family types, is available at Vermont's Early Childhood Data & Policy Center here: https://www.buildingbrightfutures.org/publications/child-care-affordability-analysis/

09/16/2026

We're hiring for a new Financial Controller!

Building Bright Futures (BBF), a Vermont 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the well-being of children and families from the prenatal period through age 8, seeks an experienced Controller to lead the organization’s financial operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Controller serves as BBF’s senior financial professional, managing a $2.4M budget, overseeing day-to-day accounting, ensuring grant compliance, maintaining strong internal controls, and leading the annual audit and Form 990 filing.

As BBF does not currently employ a Chief Financial Officer, the Controller also provides strategic financial guidance to the Executive Director and Board of Directors, bridging tactical accounting with higher-level budgeting, forecasting, and financial thought partnership. The Controller works closely with the Executive Director, Deputy Director, and the organization’s Business Manager, who handles day-to-day bookkeeping, accounts payable, banking, payroll, and human resources administration. The Controller also works closely with the Senior Development Manager to ensure accurate recording, reporting, and forecasting of contributions and grant revenue.

Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time, exempt position, with a hybrid schedule based from BBF’s Williston, Vermont, headquarters. Salary range: $87,000–$100,000 annually, based on experience.

Fore more information, see the full job description on our website:https://www.buildingbrightfutures.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Controller_Job-Description_BBF-2026-9-15.pdf

09/15/2026

One of the most valuable parts of the work we do is hearing directly from parents, early educators and providers, and employers about how Act 76 impacts them. In October, we'll be traveling around the state, and want to hear about the real-world impacts. Keep an eye on our page for more information, coming soon!

09/02/2026

Interested in taking action right now that could support Heart Start? There are several ways to make your voice heard:

1. Submit a public comment telling federal leaders why Head Start matters - Together for Head Start has created an easy to use template with step by step instructions. More information here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BnKPdYNg78QTRDSVHZaQOvrJa-huaFT8

2. Attend one of BBF's upcoming Regional Council meetings that will focus on Head Start:
Northern Windsor & Orange, Springfield Area, and Southeast VT combined meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 2, 1:00-2:30 pm: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86075768466?pwd=sl8byIavZSbaVegZTo2BbIMhWOtniB.1

Orleans & Northern Essex:
September 14, 1-2 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5678007378?omn=83532567259
Caledonia & Southern Essex:
September 21, 1-2 PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5678007378?omn=84692035559