The Vermont Child Development Division (CDD) seeks provider input regarding the Act 76 (H.217) Readiness Payments Program design.
The payments aim to assist family child care programs, center based child care and preschool programs, and afterschool programs to "get ready" for the upcoming expansion of child care financial assistance eligibility for Vermont children and families.
We will create a formula for the Readiness Payments using a base rate per child with add-on "priority bonuses" based on feedback from the provider community and legislative intent. Options for payment may include monthly, quarterly, or lump sum payments.
Programs will have discretion on how they utilize the payments to support quality. These uses can include increasing capacity for infants and toddlers, improving child care facilities, expanding hours or days of operation, and increasing workforce capacity and retention. We encourage providers to think strategically about how they want to invest these additional dollars to meet their needs.
The survey closes on July 28, 2023. We look forward to hearing from you!