Meet The Participants

CONGRATULATIONS!

June 2010
Debbie Bashaw & Stephanie Fitzgerald successfully completed all training requirements and earned their Certificate of Completion from the VT Department of Labor for the trade of Child Care Development Specialist!

January 2008
Kristi Bedard successfully completed all training requirements and earned her Certificate of Completion from the VT Department of Labor for the trade of
Child Care Development Specialist!

March 2007
Apprentice Sara Nisun has completed her 4,000 hours of on-the-job training!

October 2005
Amie Fitzgerald successfully completed all training requirements and earned her Certificate of Completion from the VT Department of Labor for the trade of

Child Care Development Specialist!
The Bristol Family Center continues to sponsor new apprentices!

Bristol Family Center is a non-profit early care and education facility dedicated to offering high quality programming for the young children and families of the five-town area. It is licensed by the state of Vermont, and earned national accreditation in February 2005 and holds 4 Stars in Vermont’s Quality Rating System. Parents are encouraged and recruited to participate in Center activities, including public awareness activities.

“We recognize and respect the differences in children’s strengths, learning patterns and developmental needs. We encourage the growth of each child towards competence and independence as they reach their full potential”.

Apprentice Kristen Jennings graduated from high school in 2002.  After working for several years as a cashier and being promoted to a variety of management positions, she started work at the Bristol Family Center.  It was then she found that working with children was what she really wanted to be doing, and signed up for the Apprentice Program in 2008.  Completing the process for one of her class final projects, Kristen earned her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in November 2010!

Kristen writes, “Each time I have a class, I can’t wait to go to work the next day and apply my new learning.  I am hoping to gain more confidence in myself, when building age appropriate curriculum for the children.  I hope to gain knowledge of developmental milestones, and how to spot the red flags.  Mostly I just want to learn…”

Mentor Kristi Bedard has been working at the Bristol Family Center since 2001.  After completing her apprenticeship in January 2008, Kristi continues the cycle of professional development by sharing her experiences as a mentor to Kristen Jennings.   

Kristi writes, “I am eager to support Kristen through her college courses by offering feedback and “cheer-leading” her through the homework and time management. In the work setting, I am excited to support her professionally through role modeling and observation”. 

Apprentice Shawna Quattrocchi graduated from high school in 2009.  After working several seasons as a camp counselor and babysitter at a summer camp and attending a semester of college, she started work at the Bristol Family Center.   She has always found working with children to be her calling and signed up with the Apprentice Program.

Shawna writes, “When I found the Bristol Family Center, I was able to start exactly what I love right away, with help from the Apprenticeship Program. I always planned to continue school but this is really mapping out my plan. The classes are helping me learn and excel through my job, doing exactly what I love.”

Mentor Kristi Bedard has been working at the Bristol Family Center since 2001.  After completing her apprenticeship in January 2008, Kristi continues the cycle of professional development by sharing her experiences as a mentor to Shawna Quattrocchi.

Kristi writes, “I have spent time in the classroom with Shawna role modeling and supporting her growth as an Early Educator.  We spend time brainstorming about how to implement the things she is learning in her class.  I am looking forward to supporting her during her time in school and beyond.”   

Apprentice Andrea Thorpe attended a career center Human Services program while in high school and worked 8 years in child care centers. Andrea was a Registered Apprentice before coming to Bristol Family Center and completed her on the job training hours for the Apprentice Program while employed in Essex Junction.

Andrea writes, “The program appeals to me because I have always wanted to get higher education but didn’t have the financial resources to do it.  With this program, I can still work and also take college level classes.  I can use the information immediately in my work.”

Kristi writes, “I am eager to support Kristen through her college courses by offering feedback and “cheer-leading” her through the homework and time management. In the work setting, I am excited to support her professionally through role modeling and observation”.

Apprentice Stephanie Winborn graduated high school in 2002 and began working as a substitute teacher at the Bristol Family Center in 2004. Stephanie made the commitment of registering as an apprentice in January of 2008.

Stephanie writes, “With a broader understanding of children, I will be a better provider. Families will be receiving higher quality services because of all that I will be learning, improving and practicing.”

Mentor Kristle Humiston has worked at the Bristol Family Center since the spring of 2004. She has a BS in Early Childhood Studies from Plymouth State University and holds a valid teaching license. Kristle is currently mentoring apprentice Stephanie Winborn.

Kristle writes, “By being a mentor in the apprenticeship program, I am hoping to strengthen my leadership skills. I have great knowledge in this field but am always hesitant to share it with co-workers. By completing this program I am hoping to gain confidence about what I know and not hesitate to share it when needed.”

Vermont Child Care Industry & Careers Council. All rights reserved.
Revised: 1/19/12