Expanding High-Quality Early Care and Education for Infants & Toddlers

Early Head Start Development Expanding High-Quality Early Care and Education for Infants & Toddlers

Rutland County Head Start is expanding its Early Care and Education Services to include infant and toddler care. The expanded program, will provide access to high-quality child care for children from birth until the age of 3, when they are eligible to transition into Head Start’s Pre-K program.

Director Elizabeth Brown explains the complex process. “We are doing two things side-by-side. First, we are working with Vermont’s Child Development Division on expanding our licensing to include infants and toddlers. That in itself involves many layers of approval. Second, we have applied for a conversion grant through Head Start, which would allow us to shift some of our current Head Start funded pre-K slots into Early Head Start slots. Infant and toddler slots essentially cost more due to lower ratios and more services provided including diapering, food and other basic necessities.”

The licensing process requires an environmental assessment, conducted by the State Fire Marshall, to ensure that the physical setting is safe and properly equipped. There is also a lengthy list of equipment and supplies, such as furniture, diapers, formula, and other things essential to serving infants and toddlers. An implementation plan must include a system for measuring impact and exploring continuous improvement.

“We also had to look at the needs of the community for infant and child care,” says Assistant Director Kelley Todriff. “Even before COVID-19, that need was very high. The pandemic has had a major impact on early learning programs and child care. Many programs that closed during the pandemic have yet to reopen or have announced permanent closures. We currently have 11 children on the waiting list for Early Head Start – these are existing Head Start families with siblings. We certainly have the children, and can quickly fill a classroom.” The conversion process for the Head Start grant takes about three months once the application is submitted. The current program is funded for 117 preschool slots (age 3-5). As soon as the CDD licensing is in place, the plan is to open the program with an enrollment of (initially) 8 infants and toddlers -- funded with child care subsidies. “We could open with just that,” says Kelley. “Once the conversion is approved through the office of Head Start, then those slots can transition to be funded through Early Head Start.” The overall goal is to be able to convert slots and then expand even further with a second classroom of 8 infants and toddlers.

Aside from the long and complex application process, staffing remains the biggest obstacle. “COVID has impacted our staffing, and it still is,” says Elizabeth. “Workforce development is a major focus for us. We are armed with the ability to do a lot, but we can’t do it unless we have the staff.”

Following the general Head Start model, the Early Head Start program is a baseline of comprehensive services, with a focus on the “whole child." Services include early learning experiences, health and developmental screenings, nutritious food, parenting resources and support, and access to health, mental health, and social services.

Looking ahead to the future, Director Elizabeth Brown would like to see the program expand even further, to include prenatal care and education for pregnant women. “Our vision is to continue to grow specifically in the infant and toddler arena, and services for pregnant women and prenatal care would really have an impact on our community”.

“When you can influence and have an effect on a child’s progress at the early stages, the impact is substantial. There is a much greater chance of a positive outcome for that family.”

Scan the code to watch a video interview with Rutland County Head Start staff.

Head Start students dance and enjoy a concert by Moose Jr. to wrap up their summer program in partnership with the Vermont arts council. Head Start Assistant Director, Kelley Todriff, helps with student crafts.