CASTLETON, Vt. (WCAX) – There is some good news as the Green Mountain State deals with a dire need for childcare providers. The Vermont Early Childhood Educators Institute is filled to capacity.
All 135 spots are filled, and the VTSU Center for Schools executive director says it’s because the course is essentially free thanks to the funding from the state’s Childhood Development Division.
The four-day institute allows those seeking or renewing their licenses to get the credits or certification they need online.
The executive director says a full institute is a good sign for the future of childcare in Vermont.
“It’s good to know that there is a priority being placed on professionalizing the field, and making more opportunities like this available, I think that will convince folks that for lots of reasons it’s worthwhile to get into this field,” said executive director Ric Reardon.
the institute curriculum changes every year based on participant feedback and observations of the field.