Two compelling facts you should know about Vermont’s children:

• 40-50% of Vermont’s children enter kindergarten unprepared.
• 72% of children under the age of six have all of their parents in the workforce, which means they’re likely in care outside of the home up to 40 hours a week or more.

Science tells us that giving our youngest children a strong start in life improves their prospects for success—yielding healthier communities and a more prosperous Vermont.

17 Vermont statewide organizations and State agencies partnered with California Newsreel production company to bring a special sneak peek of the powerful new The Raising of America documentary to Vermont. The preview will be followed by a community conversation about the early years with these local panelists:

~ Dr. Stephen Contompasis, MD, Fletcher Allen Health Care
~ Mayor Miro Weinberger
~ Jan Blomstrann, Chairwoman & CEO, Renewable NRG Systems
~ David Young, Superintendent of Schools, South Burlington School District
~ Alison Maynard, Parent
~ Moderator: Kristen Fontaine, Pediatric Outreach Coordinator, Fletcher Allen Health Care

Please join us this Wednesday (October 22nd) at the Main Street Landing Film House (60 Lake Street in Burlington) from 5:30-7:30 PM to participate in this important conversation.

RSVP and find more details at letsgrowkids.org/raising-america-conversations.

Presented by:

• Let’s Grow Kids
• Building Bright Futures
• American Academy of Pediatrics – VT
• Vermont Parent Child Center Network
• Vermont Early Childhood Alliance
• Vermont Children’s Trust Foundation
• Vermont Birth to Three
• VT Department of Health
• VT Department of Health, Maternal & Child Health Division
• VT Department of Mental Health
• VT Child Development Division
• VT Commission on Women
• Vermont Community Foundation + Project Success
• Head Start Association of Vermont
• Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
• Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children
• Fletcher Allen Health Care
• HungerFree VT