Professionalizing Early Childhood in Vermont: Session 4 and the Reason Data Matters – An Evening with Chris Nelson Deb Norris November 9, 2021

Never has the time been more right for early childhood educators to advance as a recognized profession. Vermont is seeing growing consensus among early childhood educators about who we are, what we do, and the support we need to be successful. Now, it is time to explore implementation - how might this new profession work? This online real-time session describes an early childhood education profession with: 1) one consistent set of standards and competencies, 2) a professional licensure process overseen by members of the early childhood education profession, 3) a supported transition for members of the current workforce, and 4) workforce voices being central in all decision-making. Participants will also learn why using the Bright Futures Information System (BFIS) is so important for not only their own professional development but also for the system as a whole and for policy makers