child care

Many Vermont schools and childcare facilities are in older buildings, which means they are more likely to have lead in their plumbing. Because there is no safe level of lead in the body, and young children absorb lead into their systems more easily than adults do, it's important to ensure lead levels in drinking water are as low as possible. Fixing a lead in drinking water problem is often easy and low cost. Solutions can include replacing plumbing fixtures, removing redundant or seldom-used fixtures, and encouraging the use of centrally located, well-maintained bottle fill stations.

While a major source of lead exposure in Vermont children is paint, lead in older plumbing and fixtures can add to a child’s overall lead exposure.

All parents care about their baby’s safety. Learn more about resources to help parents and care givers put babies to sleep safely.

Dry cleaners use chemicals to clean clothes and other fabrics. When these chemicals are breathed in, they can be harmful to your health. They can remain in the environment for decades.

Children interact with our environment much differently than adults do and continue to grow and develop, which is why children’s environmental health is so important.

High quality early experiences promote brain development, socio-emotional skills and support learning for children so that they will succeed in school. In Vermont almost 13,000 children under the age of 3 need some form of child care. 70% of Vermont children under the age of 6 have both parents in the work force.  High quality child care programs help children learn healthy habits and promote health behaviors associated with lifelong health.

Schools share the responsibility with families and communities to provide students with healthy environments that foster regular opportunities for healthy eating and physical activity.