Meet The Participants

The Burlington Children’s Space is located within the McClure Multi-Generational Center at 241 North Winooski Avenue in Burlington, sharing space and activities with the Champlain Senior Center. The purpose of the Burlington Children’s Space is “to provide a special place for children to grow during the important early childhood years. We want to help them feel accepted, good about themselves and others, and free in developing to their full potential.”

The Burlington Children’s Space (BCS) is a licensed, non-profit child care center, accredited through the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. Founded in 1984 on the principle of maintaining diversity in age, developmental, and socioeconomic levels, the program uses a play-based approach, which focuses on and supports the individual child. The program cares for children between the ages of six weeks to those leaving for kindergarten.

Apprentice Erin Barnaby joined the program in May of 2008. Erin has Bachelor of Arts degree from Endicott College. She realized that after graduating as a graphic designs student, she couldn’t use her skills to help other people. Erin decided she could help others by working with children and wants to be a teacher. The apprenticeship program appeals to Erin “because it is a way to achieve that goal….I believe that having a mentor will be a key factor in this learning process.”

Mentor and Burlington Children’s Space Assistant Director Heather Duhamel holds a Masters Degree from the University of Vermont in Educational Leadership as well as her Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Heather is working as a mentor with Erin Barnaby. She sees her position as a mentor a natural role to fill as the director of a childcare facility. She also teaches the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential coursework at the local resource and referral agency in Williston. “I feel like extending my work into the Apprenticeship Program will be an exciting extension to my current interest in supporting adult learning.”

Apprentice Terra Nicholson became an apprentice in September of 2008. Terra set out on her journey with several goals, including “Having better communication skills with children and with parents about their children….to be better equipped to facilitate new, exciting and engaging activities in the classroom…”

Mentor Honor Woodrow brings to the apprenticeship program a diverse array of experiences working with young children. Honor is currently teamed with apprentice Terra Nicholson. “I believe that when teachers help each other reflect on their strengths and weaknesses, and practice new skills and techniques, the center as a whole is enriched, and the quality of education we can offer to children and their families is improved.” Honor has held various positions at Burlington Children’s Space as a co-teacher and a lead teacher during which she planned and implemented “Reggio inspired” curriculum in the Older Toddler Room. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Vermont in Early Childhood Education, and has her Vermont Certification from birth to 3rd grade.

Vermont Child Care Industry & Careers Council. All rights reserved.
Revised: 1/5/10