Charlotte Children's Center

Charlotte Children’s Center is located just off Route 7 on Ferry Road. The center opened in 1984 to meet the growing need for child care in Charlotte. A group of dedicated families made the Charlotte Children’s Center what it is today, a program dedicated to meeting the individual needs of young children and their families. Open from 7:30 – 6 and serving children from infants to 5 yr olds, the program became NAEYC accredited in 2000. In the parent handbook it states the following:

We Value…

The individual needs of each child. We see children as individuals and respect their various methods of learning.

Communication with families. Strong relationships between the center and families ensure a positive experience for the children.

Professionalism. We see ourselves as professionals and we monitor ourselves and others to maintain high standards.

Our environment. We use our space as a co-teacher to encourage freedom of learning. By rearranging our materials and space regularly, we offer children rich learning environments.

Apprentice MeriChristi Pixley graduated from Vergennes Union High School in 2004. MeriChristi began as a floater substitute at the Charlotte Children’s Center in 2003. In 2004 she was hired as a full time staff person and joined the Apprenticeship Program in August 2008. She writes. “I have wanted for a long time now to commit myself to a long term class in order to obtain more education… I am ready to commit myself to learning. With this Apprenticeship Program, I will be able to communicate with my students and their parents in a more professional level. In my years of experience as a Child Care Teacher, I have learned the basics. With this class, I hope to go beyond the basics and be able to come to my full potential”

Mentor Kristy Sargent attended Burlington High School, graduated in 1996 and completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential portfolio. Kristy began working at the Charlotte Children’s Center in 2002. Her dedication to high quality child care took her through the 2 year Vermont Registered Apprenticeship Program, which she completed in August of 2008. Kristy now completes the professional development circle by sharing her experience and knowledge as a mentor to support and guides MeriChristi in her 4,000 hours of hands on training.

Kristy writes, “The Apprenticeship Program is extremely valuable. I have just completed the Program and with great excitement I have encouraged another staff member to take on the program and grow as a professional!”