Vermont’s Building Bright Futures Council

NGA Policy Institute

Birth to 3rd Grade Policy Agenda

May 9-10

Three Topics in 15 minutes or Less

History and Current Model

Work Plan

Lessons Learned

VT Building Bright Futures Council

History and Current Model

1988 Gov’s Partnership in Child Care1994 Child Care Fund of Vermont1997 12 Regional EC Councils formed2001 Smart Start TA grant2006 Building Bright Futures Exec Order2010 Legislation: BBF as a stand-alone2011 BBF receives 501c3 status

VT Building Bright Futures Council

BBFC Work Plan

Secured 501c3 IRS determinationLeadership transition: new Exec. Director Defining our “role” – Early Years Matter; lead

forum for policy agenda; partner to statewide advocacy organization

Governance transition: achieving greater “private” balance

Planning: strategic plan, fundraising plan, systems evaluation

VT Building Bright Futures Council

BBFC Lessons Learned

Governance models can change over timeLeadership styles will differ with organizational

developmentRegional infrastructure and tie with State Council is key.

Both require paid leadership.Money talks: Private fundraising helps legitimize the

governance shiftKeep business close: Private sector engagement helps

ensure action/movementSystem evaluation and outcome data contribute to

sustainability

VT Building Bright Futures Council