State advisory tells Senate panel Vermont has early-childhood gains but needs data, funding and workforce supports

MONTPELIER, Vt., March 14 — Dr. Morgan Crossman, executive director of Building Bright Futures, told the Vermont Senate Education Committee on March 14 that the state has made measurable gains in child-care affordability and prekindergarten access but needs better data systems, continued public investment and workforce supports to sustain those gains.

Crossman told senators that Building Bright Futures, the state’s early‑childhood state advisory, is charged under state and federal law to hold the early‑childhood strategic plan and monitor the system; she cited the Federal Head Start Act, Act 104 and Title 33, Chapter 46 as legal touchpoints for the council’s role. “I am not a lobbyist or an advocacy organization,” Crossman said, describing the group’s role as providing data and advice to the legislature and administration rather than advocating specific policies.

Why it matters: the advisory’s monitoring work feeds the legislature’s decisions on school and family supports. Crossman said gaps in data and strained local services mean lawmakers risk losing early gains unless the state invests in monitoring, infrastructure and staffing.

Major points presented

- Gains and scale: Crossman said Vermont has increased enrollment in child‑care financial assistance and described the state as “leading the country in access to universal pre‑K for 3 and 4 year olds,” defined in Vermont as 10 hours per week for 35…