Mary Wright had worked at a manufacturing facility for nearly 20 years, and it was during the workday that the idea sparked: Why couldn’t she use the first floor of her raised ranch in Springfield, Vermont to start a Family Child Care Home (FCCH) program? Her four children were grown and moved out, so the space was now available, and she knew families in her community needed child care.
She’d always loved kids and wanted an opportunity to impact their lives. In preparation for opening her child care program she would meet with the early childhood program experts at First Children’s Finance (FCF) during her lunch break.
With technical assistance and a $20,000 grant from FCF and the state of Vermont, Mary renovated the first floor of her home to include two playrooms, a small kitchen, a bathroom for the children, play structures, and a changing station; the public funding also paid for fencing around her outdoor play space.
She opened Green Mountain Childcare in April and serves six children full-time.
“This program wouldn’t have been possible without public investment. It made my dream come true,” she said.
FCCHs provide an essential service throughout Vermont, especially in rural communities. FCCHs can offer a consistent early childhood educator, increased flexibility, mixed age groups, and a smaller group size. Historically, FCCHs have been underfunded compared to center-based programs. Last month, Act 76 addressed this imbalance by increasing funding specifically for Family Child Care Homes.
That extra income is helping programs like Mary’s increase access to quality child care for families, but hers isn’t the only program that’s making a difference in Vermont.
Colleen Bethoney retired early from her executive assistant position and through public investment she opened her FCCH in Stamford, VT in November 2023, creating six new child care spaces. “I know I’m helping families,” she said, but explained that in her rural town, the need is still great. “I’m hopeful that further funding will allow more programs to open so families don’t struggle.”
Jeremy Mathsen left his position in broadcast journalism to become an early childhood educator. Three years later, the transition inspired him to open his own FCCH in Georgia, VT. He registered Lil’ Rascals in June, creating 10 new child care spaces.
In Sutton, Mindi Bessette created 12 new child care spaces, and public funding helped her to create a large play area and make safety updates to her FCCH.
Since Act 76 passed last year, 39 new FCCHs have opened across the state! Public investment is closing the gap on the child care crisis, but the work is not done. Help us keep child care a top issue in Vermont, and make sure programs get access to the funding and resources they need. Visit our Action Center to get started.