Meet The Participants

Welcome to our first Sponsor and Registered Apprentice to enroll in Bennington County!

Arlington Area Childcare, Inc (AACI) is a non-profit United Way Agency, operating a local early care and education center “Happy Days Playschool”, in the community of Arlington. A major goal of AACI is to keep child care affordable and accessible to all in the Arlington area. AACI operates a full time childcare center for children ages 6 weeks to ten years of age, preschool classes, an after-school program and a summer camp program. The central program is located on East Arlington Road.

Apprentice Kelly Licata formally enrolled in the Registered Child Care Apprenticeship Program in July of 2004. Kelly graduated from Saratoga High School and attended SUNY Cobleskill, receiving a One Year Certificate in Early Childhood. She writes, “ I’m a very hard worker and I like to learn new things. I look forward to taking the classes. I’ve wanted to go back to school for a while now. I feel I will be a better teacher by taking these classes.”

Kelly will be guided through her on-the-job training with mentor Peggy Hanson. Peggy has been employed by AACI since January 1991 in roles as Head Teacher of the Preschool group, Curriculum Coordinator, Administrative Assistant and Camp Adventure staff (for children ages 6-10). Peggy Holds an Associates of Art (AA) Degree from Castleton State College. She continues her formal education, most recently through Community College of Vermont and various training opportunities. “ Many years ago, I was hired as a teacher’s assistant, based on my experience and willingness to learn rather than the amount of education I had. This opportunity gave me the confidence and incentive to pursue a degree. I eventually obtained an A.A. degree and continued to further my education. An Apprenticeship Program is a great way for experienced teachers to assist others who have the desire to learn.”

Director Carol Barbierri writes, “ Happy Days Playschool/AACI is committed to helping their staff attain their professional goals. We believe the Apprenticeship Program will offer another venue for professional development. We particularly like the mentorship piece, as we believe people learn best through modeling and practicing book knowledge.”

AACI receives funding from many varying sources. Tuition is charged for child care and early education programs, but also are available are scholarships, subsidies and a sliding fee scale. Scholarships are funded by a Vermont Department of Education grant and subsidies are obtained through the Vermont Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. The sliding fee scale is funded through the Bennington County United Way, funds from the towns of Arlington, Sandgate and Sunderland, community donations and a fundraising program. AACI participates in the Federal Food Program to pay for the breakfast, snacks and lunches that are served to all enrolled children.

Apprentice Kelly Licata helps with a sewing project.

Registration Day!
Kelly Licata and DET field representative Victor Karren formalize the Apprentice Agreement.