The Vermont Child Care Apprenticeship Program
Sponsoring Programs

Apprentices must be employed full time in a VT regulated child care program to be eligible for participation. The child care program (Sponsor) must agree to comply with the Standards of Apprenticeship, approved through the State Apprenticeship Council and is responsible for maintaining all records of participation. The Sponsor is responsible for choosing the team of apprentice and mentor and must be willing to provide time for the team to meet, assuring the lines of communication and support remain open. (See Benefits and Responsibilities)

Many child care programs currently participating in the VT Child Care Apprenticeship Program are nationally accredited.** The Child Care Industry and Careers Council felt it was appropriate to have apprentices working and learning in child care programs which have gone the extra step of becoming nationally accredited through the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Child care programs not accredited are eligible--criteria is listed on the Sponsor Statement of Interest.

**Accreditation involves in depth self-assessment and improvement and then a formal review by an independent evaluator who carefully observes the program and validates on-site the quality affirmed by the program through their self-assessment. Accreditation is extra work but the process is helpful and helps ensure quality child care. This process is, in part, financially supported though grants from the State of Vermont Child Care Services Division.