Saplings was founded in 2015 after a Vermont Council on Rural Development community visit, where participants identified a critical need for accessible childcare. Initially run in a church basement, it served 12 children per day. The addition of a modular classroom later enabled Saplings to expand to 19 children per day, yet demand continues to exceed capacity.

• To remain financially viable: Scaling up will reduce administrative overhead and allow us to increase staff wages and benefits sustainably without overburdening fundraising efforts.

• Our current site is inadequate: The East Craftsbury Presbyterian Church and modular classroom, which have served us since 2017, can no longer support our growing program. Our Act 250 waiver expires in 2026.

• Preparation is complete: We conducted a third-party needs assessment, selected a site, built a budget, and hired experienced partners for planning and design.

• Funding is available now: Senator Welch secured $3M through the Senate Appropriations Committee, and the Northern Border Regional Commission awarded $1M. We’re counting on community support to close the gap.

• Successful children: Increased opportunities, stronger school performance, and better long-term outcomes for kids in the region.

• Healthy families: Parents gain access to reliable childcare, enabling financial security and stronger community connections.

• Thriving businesses: Employers benefit from a more reliable workforce and healthier consumer base.

• Strong rural communities: Livability for families improves, sparking economic growth and fostering resilience.

Saplings is on solid financial footing, with a strong balance sheet. By securing grants and community support, we’ll minimize debt and ensure sustainability while keeping tuition rates affordable and offering competitive staff compensation.

• 57.2% of children in Orleans County lack access to regulated childcare programs.

• Saplings’ service area has a deficit of 189 slots.

• Community support is strong: Expansion was identified as essential for long-term viability.

• A new 54-child facility offers the best path forward, reducing administrative costs by 50% per child while keeping tuition affordable.

We are positioned to hire 9 additional staff members by:

• Fostering a collaborative work environment with professional development opportunities.

• Offering competitive wages and benefits.

• Partnering with local educational institutions to recruit new talent.

• Supporting current staff to grow into larger roles.

Saplings’ expansion will address the regional childcare shortage while complementing existing providers. Our flexible programming and community collaboration ensure that we meet local needs without undermining other services, strengthening the entire childcare ecosystem.

The need for infant care is significant. While some families choose to wait until their child is older, others require care for infants due to work obligations. Saplings provides a safe, nurturing environment for infants, helping parents balance work and family responsibilities.

• Relocation Report (2021): Confirmed unmet demand for childcare and recommended expansion.

• Initial Fundraising (2022): Secured over $100,000 for feasibility and planning.

• Site Selection (2023): Evaluated options and chose the East Craftsbury site, located behind the current facility.

• Concept Phase (2023-2024): Developed program details, site plans, and architectural renderings with Black River Design.

• Exploration of other options (2025): The Expansion Committee looks at other possibilities in response to changes in the funding landscape and rising construction cost estimates.

• Feasibility Study (2025): Undertook the work necessary to understand what is required of a renovation project on the Sterling College Campus.

Saplings Expansion Committee:

• Hannah Dreissigacker, Board Chair

• Susie Houston, Board Member

• Melissa Jacobs, Executive Director

• Emily Gletsos, Program Director

• David Koschak, Architect

Development and Design Partners:

• Wagner Development Partners: Project management and community development experts.

• Black River Design: Vermont-based architects specializing in educational and community projects.

• KAS Associates: Civil and structural engineering.

We’re seeking community support to close the funding gap and ensure the success of this vital project. If you’re interested in contributing or learning more, please reach out. Together, we can strengthen our community for future generations.We do not plan to open at full capacity. We will use the first 1-2 years to steadily increase enrollment and staffing in order to develop strong systems of support.