Meet The Participants |
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WELCOME!
We are excited to extend our family of sponsors for the apprenticeship program. Carolyn’s Red Balloon Enrichment Center joined the Vermont Apprenticeship Program
as of Fall 2009!
Carolyn’s Red Balloon Enrichment Center is located at 42 Severance Green, Suite 101 in Colchester and serves children from ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Founded on “the belief that children need time to be children and to experience childhood”, the Enrichment Center’s mission is “to provide a model program that is responsive to the changing needs of the children, parents, staff, and community.” The Center strives to provide “an atmosphere that will attract and retain well trained personnel, by maintaining positive working conditions.”
Red Balloon owner Carolyn Riley speaks of her commitment to the Apprenticeship Program: “I personally will provide coverage for the mentor for the observations. Additionally each mentor and apprentice will have time in the classroom in the afternoon to review the observation and answer any questions the apprentice may have.”
Apprentice Ashley Graham began at Carolyn’s Red Balloon in April of 2008. Signing up for the Apprenticeship Program in August of 2009, she is committed to benefiting the families and children she serves at the center by expanding her current knowledge and teaching techniques. She finds the program appealing because she has someone to work along side her as she grows professionally. Ashley writes, “I feel comfortable knowing that if I have any questions along the way that I will be guided in the right direction.”
Mentor Heather Bushey earned an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Champlain College in 2003. She went on to obtain her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education from Champlain in 2005 allowing her to hold a dual endorsement: Elementary Education (K-6) and Early Childhood (birth-8). With a varying background including working as an assistant teacher, a sales associate, substitute teacher, and a camp counselor, Heather brings with her a wealth of skills and knowledge to share with her apprentice Ashley.
Apprentice Allyson Gover started working at Carolyn’s Red Balloon in May 2010 and signed up for the Apprenticeship Program in August 2010. She is interested in furthering her education in the areas of communication with parents and children, child behavior and addressing special needs. Allyson writes, “I will be able to communicate more professionally. The child will benefit because I will be able to keep that child’s learning environment safe and healthy. I will be able to help them in the best way possible.”
Mentor Jennifer Coccetti earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Johnson State College in 1988. She worked as a Title I tutor for grades K-2 before coming to Carolyn’s Red Balloon in 2009. She recognizes the importance of the Apprenticeship Program’s professional development components. Jen writes, ”Working with the Registered Apprenticeship Program appeals to me because it allows people with the potential to be wonderful teachers to have the opportunity to further their education. This program will not only benefit the apprentices by allowing them additional educational opportunities, it will also benefit the children and families they serve by fostering new, dedicated teachers.”
Vermont Child Care Industry & Careers Council. All rights reserved.
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