A different type of union for early childhood educators.

The care and education of our youngest children is essential to Vermont s future, and is a measure of a thriving community. Learn here how your community s early childhood educators are coming together to raise the quality of care that children receive and advance their profession.

Frequently Asked Questions about Early Educators Forming a Union

Q: What is Vermont Early Educators United-AFT?
VEEU-AFT is the statewide early educators union, which thousands of early educators have chosen to join. It is a member union of the United Professions of Vermont (UPV), affiliated with the 1.4 million members of the American Federation of Teachers. Early Educators in Vermont are choosing VEEU to join other union professionals in Vermont such as nurses, hospital workers, and university/college faculty and staff to have a stronger voice in the decisions that affect the early education system and their profession.

Q. Why are early childhood educators looking to unionize?

When it comes to improving the direct care and education of our youngest citizens, there is no better voice and expertise than of those who do this work every day. By coming together in their union, early childhood educators have the opportunity to strengthen their voice, participate in a democratic organization, and win the right to have a meaningful say in the decisions that affect their work. Engaging early childhood educators through collective bargaining is a proven solution that has been shown to expand access to child care for moderate and low income families, increase child care quality and raise wages for early childhood educators. Limited collective bargaining with the state over specific subjects, such as subsidy rates and professional development, would bring early childhood educators to the table and give them a voice in the decisions over subsidy rates, subsidy eligibility, training requirements, classroom resource support, etc.

Q. How is an early educators union different than a traditional union?

An early educators union is different than a traditional labor union. It s not a union in which an employer on one side and the employees on the other side negotiate against one another. Instead, an early educators union unites all types of early educators: home-based early childhood educators, child care center directors, center teachers, assistants, and aides, to build a strong collective voice. All early childhood educators, regardless of where they work, are regulated by the states Department of Children and Families, and most have a financial relationship with the state because they care for children and families who qualify for assistance under the Child Care Subsidy Program. By forming a union, these professionals would be able to join together with a collective voice to negotiate a binding contract with the Child Development Division.

Q. Why does the legislature have to pass a law before early educators are able to form a union?
Currently, state and federal laws do not allow early childhood educators to form a union or negotiate with a state agency that regulates them. Legislation must be passed into law- by establishing an anti-trust exemption for early childhood educators. This gives early childhood educators the freedom to form a union. The legislation being considered, H.97, does not force anyone to join the union, but simply allows the workforce to decide on their own through a democratic process governed by the Vermont Labor Relations Board.

Q. Why is H.97 necessary?

High quality early education for children is critical for their success as adults. Scientific research shows that vital development occurs in the first 3 years of a child s life. Cognitive skills and emotional bonding take root, and brain development translates into academics capabilities. When children receive high quality early education, they begin kindergarten ready to succeed. By investing in Vermont s early education system, we can improve our entire academic system, reduce detrimental stressors for low-income families, and turn around children s emotional and learning barriers before it s too late. Studies have shown that the early childhood educators are the most critical factor in the delivery of high quality early education.

Q. Has this been done anywhere else?

Engaging early childhood educators through collective bargaining is a proven solution that has been shown to expand access to child care for moderate and low income families, increase child care quality, and raise wages for early childhood educators. Limited collective bargaining with the state over specific subjects, such as subsidy rates and professional development, would bring early childhood educators to the table and give them a voice in decisions that affect their profession. Several states, including Illinois, Washington, Oregon, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Maine, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, and New York have extended collective bargaining rights to early educators who operate home-based programs. Several states, including Vermont, are working to give center-based early educators similar opportunities.

Q. How will an early educators union support working parents?

Parents entrust early childhood educators each day with their most precious resource, their children. These early childhood professionals know first-hand the challenges that parents face today and are among the strongest advocates for children and families. Early childhood educators are often the primary support system for young parents and become an integrated member of the family structure. With a strengthened voice, these professionals will use their decision making authority to bargain for increased resources into the financial assistance program and will advocate for public policy that supports parents in the workforce and at home.

Q. How will an early educators union raise the level of quality that Vermont s children receive?
Research shows that the most critical factor in quality early childhood education is the educator in the room. Quality in the field depends on the ability to attract and retain experienced professionals. Allowing those who are responsible for the delivery of care to have a voice at the table will improve quality. The collective expertise of the workforce will lead to policy decision that better serve the needs of children and families. Increasing respect and recognition for the profession will strengthen the workforce and improve quality.

Q. How will an early educators union support the thousands of individuals who work in this profession?
This bill will help attract and retain a high quality, stable workforce. We must reduce high turnover rates that erode the continuity of care, professional development, and the bonds children form with teachers at their most critical stages of learning and brain development. Turnover in child care is around 40% and the average early childhood educator in Vermont earns $8.77 per hour.

Q. Who supports this legislation?

Governor Shumlin, the Speaker of the House, the majority of the Vermont House, the majority of the Vermont Senate, Governor Dean, Senator Bernie Sanders and thousands of Vermonters stand in support of this critical legislation that recognizes the added value of having the profession at the decision making table with the Child Development Division.

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