In the spring of 2007 Vermont passed a law called “Act 62.” This law allows for education money to be used for public preschool programs. These programs may be offered within the public school in a community. They may also be offered by private providers who contract with the public school.
Fact Sheets about Public Preschool in Vermont
If you would like more information about this Act and how you can be involved contact KC Whiteley at 800-649-2642 or kc.whiteley@ahs.state.vt.us
Find A Public Preschool Near You
To find out what programs may be available in your community contact your local child care community support agency.
Additional Information About Act 62
Guide for Implementing Prekindergarten Education in Accordance with Vermont's Act 62 (February 2009) (Updated 3/20/09)
This guide was developed to provide clarity and guidance to school districts and community early care and education providers as they work to meet the early education needs of young children and their families. This guide discusses key components and implications of Act 62, the prekindergarten education rules, and Act 132. It answers commonly asked questions, provides recommendations for complying with the rules, and includes an appendix with various forms and sample documents.
Rules Governing Prekindergarten Education
Act 62 required the Department of Education and the Department for Children and Families to jointly develop rules to govern the implementation of publicly funded prekindergarten education. These rules were adopted and became effective as of July 1, 2008.
- Act 62: An Act Relating to Prekindergarten Education
View the law as approved by the Vermont Legislature in June 2007.
- Act 132: An Act Relating to Prekindergarten Education
View the law as approved by the Vermont Legislature in 2008. It amended Act 62 in three major ways: (1) it gave prekindergarten programs operated by or through school districts a “presumptive three STARS” for a year, (2) it postponed the required child progress assessments and certain financial provisions of Act 62 until July 1, 2009, and (3) it required the Department for Children and Families and the Department of Education to jointly develop rules for Vermont’s Step Ahead Recognition System (STARS).
