Meet The Participants

Early Years Child Development Center is located at 1795 Main St. in Colchester, VT.  Early Years is open from Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. serving youth from 6 weeks to 10 years, in 2 locations.  Early Years enjoys being a part of the Apprenticeship Program for many reasons.  Director Julie Brigante writes, “The program offers (all) teachers new challenges and experiences as well as educational benefits… We look forward to another term in the program, to grow, learn and experience success in another generation of teachers.”

Apprentice Ashley Ratta graduated from the Center for Technology, Essex and completed two child care courses while attending.  Shortly after graduating, Ashley made the decision to join the apprenticeship program in August of 2008.  The apprenticeship program appeals to Ashley because “It is a way to further my education while still working in the field.  It is hard to work while attending school and through this program I would be able to do that in a more efficient way.”

Mentor Pat Kalesnik is working with apprentice Ashley Ratta in the Infant Room at Early Years.  Earning a CDA credential in 2006, Pat has been working in child care since 1991.  Pat writes, “I am interested in sharing my professional commitment, knowledge, and experiences that I have learned through my years in Early Childhood Education.”

Apprentice Sarah Stone signed up for the Program in July of 2008 and is working with Mentor Julie Brigante.  A Center for Technology, Essex Child Care/ Human Services Program participant, Sarah brings with her several years of child care experience. She worked at the YMCA and Early Years Infant Toddler Programs as well as the school age program at Early Years.  Sarah writes about the benefits of the Apprenticeship Program, “I like the fact that my mentor will be someone who I know and respect and who I know respects me and what I am trying to accomplish.  I also like the fact that I can stay at the center that I have been at for 2 years with the people and children that I know and love.”

Mentor Julie Brigante is coaching Sarah Stone through her apprenticeship journey. Julie earned her CDA in 2005 and has been a part of the apprentice program since the pilot pahse in 2000.  She writes, “I feel the knowledge and field experiences that are available through this program are invaluable to new teachers and renewed support for those of us that have been in the field for years.” Julie shares over 22 years experience in the child care industry.  She hopes to “...gain more experience in supervising, offering positive feedback, and helping to develop that excitement as a teacher that is elicited through watching young children develop.”

Apprentice Jenn Peck on graduation day with Board Member Renee Vincent and VT DOL Field Rep Linda Bates.