--- title: "Vermont’s Early Learning Standards" id: "22367" type: "page" slug: "vermont" published_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:51+00:00" modified_at: "2026-05-29T16:59:51+00:00" url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/" markdown_url: "https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont.md" excerpt: "Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states Arizona Colorado Florida Georgia Illinois Indiana Michigan Minnesota Missouri New York North Carolina Ohio Pennsylvania Texas View all 51 states → Vermont framework overview Vermont’s VELS: The official early..." taxonomy_language: - "English" --- [Brightwheel](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/) › [Early Learning Standards](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) › [Vermont](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/) › Vermont’s Early Learning Standards # Vermont’s Early Learning Standards ## Vermont’s VELS: The official early learning framework — all 8 developmental domains and how Experience Curriculum aligns to each one. Standards-alignedAll 8 domains coveredNAEYC & Head Start aligned Browse other states [Arizona](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/arizona/) [Colorado](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/colorado/) [Florida](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/florida/) [Georgia](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/georgia/) [Illinois](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/illinois/) [Indiana](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/indiana/) [Michigan](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/michigan/) [Minnesota](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/minnesota/) [Missouri](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/missouri/) [New York](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/new-york/) [North Carolina](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/north-carolina/) [Ohio](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/ohio/) [Pennsylvania](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/pennsylvania/) [Texas](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/texas/) [View all 51 states →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/) Vermont framework overview## Vermont’s VELS: The official early learning standards framework Vermont’s early learning standards are organized under the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), administered by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Development Division. VELS applies to licensed family childcare homes, center-based childcare programs, and state-funded preschool programs serving children from birth through kindergarten entry statewide. VELS defines developmental expectations across all 8 domains and guides curriculum planning, developmental assessment, and program quality statewide. Programs can view current guidance at the [Vermont DCF Child Development Division page](https://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd) . Framework name Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS) Administered by Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF), Child Development Division Age range covered Birth through kindergarten entry STARS (STep Ahead Recognition System) Vermont’s QRIS is called STARS (STep Ahead Recognition System), administered by Vermont DCF’s Child Development Division. STARS recognizes licensed family childcare homes, center-based programs, and afterschool programs. Programs earning higher STARS ratings receive increased reimbursement rates (5% to 40% above base rate) from Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Vermont’s VELS supports higher STARS ratings. Explore by developmental domain## Vermont’s VELS domains and Experience Curriculum alignment Select a developmental domain below to see how Vermont’s VELS defines that domain, the key milestones by age group, and exactly how Experience Curriculum activities and skills map to each VELS indicator. [Social-Emotional DevelopmentSelf-regulation, peer relationships, identity, empathy, and emotional expressionExplore Vermont Social-Emotional Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/social-emotional/) [Language & LiteracyReceptive and expressive language, phonological awareness, early reading and writingExplore Vermont Language & Literacy standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/language-literacy/) [Mathematics & ReasoningNumber sense, patterns, measurement, spatial reasoning, and early problem-solvingExplore Vermont Mathematics & Reasoning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/mathematics/) [ScienceObservation, inquiry, cause-and-effect, and exploration of the natural worldExplore Vermont Science standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/science/) [Social StudiesCommunity, family, cultural identity, roles, and civic understandingExplore Vermont Social Studies standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/social-studies/) [Creative ArtsVisual arts, music, movement, dramatic play, and creative expressionExplore Vermont Creative Arts standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/creative-arts/) [Physical DevelopmentGross and fine motor skills, body awareness, health, and self-careExplore Vermont Physical Development standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/physical-development/) [Approaches to LearningCuriosity, persistence, initiative, flexibility, and attentionExplore Vermont Approaches to Learning standards →](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/early-learning-standards/vermont/approaches-to-learning/) Curriculum alignment## How Experience Curriculum aligns to Vermont’s VELS Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Vermont’s VELS across all three age bands — Baby (birth to 18 months), Toddler (18 to 36 months), and Preschool (3 to 5 years) — and all 8 developmental domains. The [Vermont VELS Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MGT_Vermont_Align2013.pdf) documents how every Experience Curriculum activity and skill maps to a specific VELS indicator. For Vermont programs using brightwheel, developmental observations can be logged directly in the app during or after activities, automatically building each child’s portfolio and supporting STARS (STep Ahead Recognition System) curriculum documentation requirements. Download the alignment PDF The [Vermont VELS Alignment PDF](https://www.mothergoosetime.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/MGT_Vermont_Align2013.pdf) is a free resource documenting how every Experience Curriculum activity maps to Vermont’s VELS indicators — suitable for QRIS review submissions and licensing documentation. Frequently asked questions## Common questions about Vermont’s early learning standards What is Vermont’s official early learning framework? Vermont uses the Vermont Early Learning Standards (VELS), administered by the Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF) Child Development Division, as its official early learning framework. VELS covers all 8 developmental domains from birth through kindergarten entry and applies to licensed family childcare homes, center-based childcare programs, and state-funded preschool programs statewide. Is Experience Curriculum aligned to Vermont’s VELS? Yes. Experience Curriculum is formally aligned to Vermont’s VELS across all age bands (Baby, Toddler, and Preschool) and all 8 developmental domains. The Vermont Alignment PDF maps every Experience Curriculum activity to the specific VELS indicator it supports, providing documentation for STARS reviews and licensing visits. Does Vermont have a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)? Yes. Vermont’s QRIS is called STARS (STep Ahead Recognition System), administered by Vermont DCF. Programs earning higher STARS ratings receive increased reimbursement rates (5% to 40% above base rate) from Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program. Using a research-based curriculum aligned to Vermont’s VELS supports higher STARS ratings. Which Vermont programs are required to follow the VELS? Licensed family childcare homes, center-based programs, and state-funded preschool programs in Vermont are expected to use a curriculum aligned to VELS and participate in Vermont STARS. ## See Experience Curriculum in your Vermont program Research-based, state-aligned curriculum delivered to your door every month. [Get a free tour](https://brightwhedev.wpengine.com/experience-curriculum/)