Programs for Child Care Providers
The Early Learning Initiative offers multiple programs to support Burlington’s childcare providers. Learn more about these offerings below.
Capacity Grants
The ELI Capacity Grant Program is built to create more space in high-quality infant and toddler child-care programs, and ensure existing high-quality spots remain in the community.
From 2018-2022, the Capacity Grant program has awarded $785,000 to help:
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Create three new child care centers
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Create up to 120 new high-quality spots, of which 92 are infant/toddler
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Stabilize 166 enrolled spots at high-quality centers
New Centers Capacity Grants have supported:
- Riverside Early Learning Center: Champlain Valley Head Start - 2019
- Next Generation Burlington Campus - 2020
- ONE Arts Community School - Burlington - 2021
Employee Training
Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (EMTSS) Training
Our highly respected and sought-after social-emotional educator training program enrolls First Steps Scholarship partner program educators in the Early Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (EMTSS) training taught by Pyramid 802.
After successfully completing the program, students will receive continuing education credits through Northern Lights at Community College of Vermont.
EMTSS encourages continuity of educational practices and terminology for scholarship children from early childhood education through elementary school. EMTSS is a sister program to the Vermont Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support System (PBIS) used by schools throughout the state.
ELI Language Access Grants
It is important for all families to understand and feel heard by their child care providers, but it can be expensive to cover translation costs. The ELI Language Access Grants hope to alleviate some of this burden on your center.
The ELI Language Access Grants provide funding for interpretation and translation services for Burlington child care providers and First Steps Scholarship partner programs. These grants will reimburse up to $800 to hire interpreters and/or contract translation services to improve communication with families.
This is a reimbursement model and allows ELI to consider costs expended since January 1, 2022. Please reach out with any questions.
The Early Childhood Education Job Training Program
Considering a career in early childhood education? Let's Grow Kids and The City of Burlington are here to help you get started. The Early Childhood Education Job Training Program offers a college course and other required trainings to Burlington residents interested in a career in Early Childhood Education.
This FREE program begins in April with weekly evening online classes and includes a 3 credit college-level course with additional trainings needed to begin a position in an early childhood education program. The program is open to Burlington residents only and fully funded through the City of Burlington's Early Learning Initiative, the program is at no cost to you.
To qualify, you must not be currently enrolled in a college degree program or have achieved an Early Childhood Career Ladder Level Certificate.
Ready to start a new career?
Become a First Steps Partner
The First Steps Scholarship helps Burlington families pay for high-quality child care. Qualifying families are awarded scholarship funds that will go directly toward their childcare tuition payment, along with help to secure additional state support.
Become a childcare partner with the First Steps Scholarship to enroll scholarship families into your program.
Who We’ve Supported
- Greater Burlington YMCA
- Sara Holbrook Community Center
- Burlington Children's Space
- Riverside Early Learning Center: Champlain Valley Head Start
- Pine Forest Children's Center
- Full Circle Preschool
- Robin's Nest Children Center
- The Janet S. Munt Family Room
- Fletcher Free Library
- Next Generation - Burlington
- ONE Arts Community School - Burlington
Are you interested in utilizing these programs in your Burlington-based childcare program? Let’s chat!