Meet The Participants

Vermont Achievement Center (VAC) is located at 88 Park St. in Rutland. They provide care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old. Director Diahn Johnson writes, “VAC recognizes the value and quality of the program and the influence it has on the staff that participate.” They have completed one apprentice in the past and continue to utilize the program enlisting a current apprentice – mentor team.

Apprentice Jamie Perry graduated from high school in 2007 and joined the Apprenticeship Program in May of 2009. She wants to learn as much as possible from her experience. She writes, “I already have a lot of knowledge in the education field, but I feel as if I need to learn a lot more.” She is working towards her Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and her Associates Degree and is excited that the Apprenticeship can help her obtain those benchmarks of education.

Mentor Ann Tomasi earned her degree in Education in 2004. She shares what she looks forward to as a mentor in the registered Apprenticeship. “I am excited to share both my educational techniques as well as my life experiences...I am also hoping to gain more insight into working as a team.” Ann is working with Apprentice Jamie Perry and they meet on a regular basis, when Jamie joins her in the same classroom.

Apprentice Katherine Dougherty has passed her 3,000 hour mark for her on-the-job training and has 1 more college class after the Communication course she is currently enrolled in. She expects to complete her requirements for the Apprenticeship Program in August of this year and was part of the presentation team for the Technical students in Rutland. Kate and her supervisor, Sue Fuller, were able to attend the festivities on March 14th.

Sue Fuller spoke about what stands out for her about being a supervisor in the Program and what the experience has meant to her.

Sue Fuller (Supervising Teacher) with Lt. Governor Doug Racine at the Early Childhood Day, 2002

Susan Fuller (Supervising Teacher) with David Lagala (Vt. Dept. of Employment & Training) at the Williston Quality Assement Meeting.