Bristol Family Center

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 Debbie Bashaw came to the Bristol Family Center after working at the Addison Family Court for over 10 years. Debbie became an apprentice in January of 2008.

Debbie writes, “I believe that it can only enrich me as a person…. I absolutely believe that without the foundation of good self confidence, self esteem, good behavior, problem solving, and learning to be a team player, children will find academics more of a struggle than it needs to be”.

Mentor Melissa Jennison has been employed at the Bristol Family Center since April 2005 as an Associate Director and spends 3 days a week in the preschool classroom. Melissa holds a BA in English/Creative Writing with a Minor in Theater Arts. Currently Melissa is working with apprentice Debbie Bashaw.

Melissa writes, “Working closely with my apprentice will encourage me to re-evaluate my own teaching style and methods, while helping to hone my leadership skills. As a mentor I will strive to model professional behavior. I am committed, flexible and dependable. I am passionate about working with children and families. I know that I am creative and energetic and enjoy sharing my interests with children and co-teachers while honoring the interests of others.”

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.

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 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.”