What is Craftsbury Saplings?
In 2015, with the help of VCRD’s community visit, Craftsbury residents determined a need for high-quality, year-round, affordable child care. Craftsbury Saplings is a not-for-profit community children’s center offering full-time child care and Pre-K education to families in Craftsbury and surrounding towns. We’re a Vermont 4-STARs (quality rating system) licensed center currently serving 19 children daily and 27 children total. Our programs →
How much does it cost to run Saplings?
According to the State of Vermont, high-quality child care at a licensed center costs $80-$120 per student per day. In FY23, our operating expenses were $416,541.75 which works out to approximately $89 per student per day. 86% of our budget went toward compensating our dedicated staff. Annual report →
How much do families pay for care?
Families pay $0-$75 per day for child care at Saplings depending on their income, their chosen tuition tier and their schedule. Last year, Saplings families paid an average of $35/day in tuition which covered approximately 38% of Saplings’ expenses. Another 40% is covered by Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance program and Universal Pre-K reimbursements.
Why does Saplings ask for appropriations from Craftsbury?
We rely on grants, appropriations and private donations to cover the final 22% of our operating costs. Like 4 Seasons of Early Learning, the 4 C’s, the food pantry and other nonprofits in our region, Saplings asks for municipal support because the service we provide is a public benefit to our communities at large. We ask for appropriations from the four primary towns we serve: Craftsbury, Albany, Greensboro and Wolcott.
Will Saplings always ask for town appropriations?
The State of Vermont is investing more in child care each year which will increase financial support for both families and centers. We are working toward expanding our program into a new building, which is projected to open in 2026. This will allow us to meet more of the demand for child care (our waitlist is 30 children long) and to operate more efficiently and reduce administrative burden. With these changes, we expect a reduced need for fundraising.
Why do people support Saplings?
Every year since opening, Craftsbury residents have voted in favor of town funding for Saplings. The reasons we’ve heard are many and varied:
Access to our program has lasting positive impacts on our community
Investments in early childhood education save us money by reducing social supports needed later
Saplings enables families to live in Craftsbury and neighboring towns. These families contribute to the vibrancy of our town as customers employees, volunteers and neighbors.
Saplings provides state-funded Universal Pre-K , meeting the same standards as public schools
Saplings prepares children for success in school and gets kids engaged in community life
Still have questions?
We are committed to transparency and look forward to more community engagement as we progress with our program expansion. Join our mailing list to stay below to stay updated and contact us any time with questions.