A group appointed by Gov. Peter Shumlin to study child care in Vermont has been holding a series of community forums this week.
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Financing High Quality, Affordable Child Care has been meeting for about a year.
At a meeting in Brattleboro Tuesday, committee member Chloe Learey said the group wanted to hear from people around the state, both inside and outside of the child care system.
"Instead of a bunch of commissioners sitting in the room we wanted to hear directly from people who might be concerned about this," Clearey said. "We wanted to talk with family members but we also want to hear from business members and other people who realize how important early care and education is to all of us. It's not just about families and teachers, it's for all of us. So these forums are a way to broaden the conversation and invite everybody to weigh in."
The Blue Ribbon Commission on Financing High Quality, Affordable Child Care is evaluating the existing system, and trying to come up with strategies for financing high quality child care.
The group will issue a report to the Legislature and the governor before November 1.
