VHSA vision
VHSA’s vision is to engage parents, staff, partners, the public, and lawmakers to achieve the highest quality early education and child care for young children.
VHSA mission is to strengthen and promote high quality programs through:
- Professional development of the workforce
- Collaboration with our partners
- Advocacy for high quality programs for children from birth to 5 years old and their families
VHSA goals
Professional development
Head Start and Early Head Start staff get help from the Office of Head Start (OHS), National and Regional Training and Technical Assistance (T/TA) to gain and improve their knowledge and skills. There are three levels of T/TA: direct funding to grantees (programs); regional networks; and the National Centers.
The regional T/TA can train programs on-site or program staff may participate in regional training located within New England.
In addition to this support, VHSA turns to the New England Head Start Association and National Head Start Association who sponsor annual training events and conferences. These events are for staff, management, and parents. Parents learn about leadership development and advocacy.
Collaboration
VHSA works extensively with state and local organizations and their leaders in early education and child care. As a result of these partnerships, young children and their families receive the services they want to be successful. VHSA and our partners help with coordinating health, mental health, oral health, children with special health needs, transitions, housing, food, and many more services.
Advocacy
VHSA provides a strong voice about high quality early education and child care in Vermont. We educate our State and Federal representatives who make decisions that affect low-income children and families. Our voice is made stronger by Head Start parents and graduates, partners, and community members that tell their story about the impact of Head Start.