College Credits
Vermont State College PSY 2070 Lifespan Developmental Psychology ( 3 credits)
Education & Human Services students study human development and the physical development of infants,children, the elderly, and adolescents.
Certifications
- American Heart Association Pediatric CPR/AED with First Aid
- Vermont Mandated Reporter Certification
- Penn State Better Kid Care
- Vermont Online Orientation
- ACT National Career Readiness Certificate
Advisory Committee
- Margaret Ames—STC Preschool
- Marie Williams—Beginnings & Beyond
- Courtney Mason— Children’s Integrated Services at VAC
- Kelton Myers—Parent
- Phillip Crossman—CCV
- Geri Bruso —RNortheast Elementary Teacher
Students study human development and investigate the physical, intellectual and socio-emotional development issues of infants, children, adolescents, people with disabilities and the elderly in preparation for a career as a service provider to these populations. The continuing development of interpersonal skills focuses on the importance of communication as a necessary skill for successful employment in the field. Students spend extensive time in the Stafford Children’s Center and at various community facilities. (for registration and more information on the Children’s Center click the above link)
What We Do
Through practical experience in the preschool lab, work experience in the community, and classroom instruction, students develop an awareness and knowledge of human development. Students create and facilitate lessons in our preschool as they prepare for further education and employment. Students explore occupations in educational and social services settings.
Entry Requirements
Special Requirement of all students: due to the professional requirements in this field, all applicants must be able to satisfy the criminal records check required by the Child Care Division and provide a minimum of three letters of recommendation.
Recommended Prerequisites: Strong interpersonal skills; strong communication skills (in the areas of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and comprehension); strong grammar and writing skills (in order to complete lesson plans, research papers, reflections, journals presentations, and portfolios); strong problem-solving skills (in the area of decision making in the
preschool lab); basic math and number sense with fluency in fractions decimals, and percents; ability to read and follow a recipe; ability to conduct oneself with professional behavior and appropriateness around young children and families, ability to be self-motivated and show initiative; enjoys working with young children; an interest in education or a related field or career.
Reading Level of course materials: Grades 12 to 14
Program Instructor – Jacqueline Hemple
Jacqueline joined Stafford in August 2021. She attended the University of Maine at Farmington and Castleton University. After graduation, she started her career in education as a preschool teacher. Most recently she has worked as a paraeducator through RNESU, including four years at Stafford. She found working with high schoolers to be something she really enjoyed. She loves the positive atmosphere, dedicated staff, engaged students, and many opportunities offered at Stafford. When she is not at work she enjoys traveling, camping, and spending time with her husband and daughter.
jacqueline.hemple@rcpsvt.org (802) 770-1040
Children’s Center Director – Margaret Ames
Maggie Ames, a native Vermonter has been at Stafford Technical Center since the fall of 2006. She has been teaching in Vermont since 1982 when she worked for Rutland Mental Health as an educator coordinator, teacher, and assistant director. Later she established a licensed preschool program in the city of Rutland known as Strawberry Blossom’s Children Center. She earned a B.S. in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Education at the College of St. Joseph. Maggie and her husband have been married since 1978 and have three children, the youngest is studying at Endicott College. Maggie enjoys time with her family and friends, sewing, running, and spending time at her camp in Corinth, Vermont.
margaret.ames@rcpsvt.org (802) 770-1042
Children’s Center Teaching Assistant – Tracey Mason
Tracey Mason is our Children’s Center Teacher Assistant. Bio coming soon.
(802) 770-1042
Children’s Center Teaching Assistant – Mandie Black
My name is Mandie Black, and I am excited to be joining Stafford Children’s Center. I have been working with Rutland City Public Schools for the past eight years. I began my career in the district as a one-on-one Educational Support Professional, which provided me with a strong foundation in individualized student support.
Over the past seven years, I have worked at Rutland Intermediate School and Northeast Primary School, where I had the opportunity to help develop and implement the POD (Positive Opportunities for Development) program. This program is designed to support students by providing structured breaks that reinforce positive behavior, while also teaching social and emotional skills to help students regulate their responses during challenging moments.
In my role within the POD program at Northeast, I have been responsible for collecting and analyzing student behavior data. I collaborate closely with student support teams to share insights and provide families and caregivers with meaningful information about both areas of challenge and student strengths. While doing the work of providing support to our students I am also a college student and working on my degree in Early Childhood Education.
Prior to my time with Rutland City Public Schools, I worked as a preschool teacher, which further strengthened my passion for Early Childhood Education.
Outside of my professional role, I am a wife and a mother. My family and I enjoy spending time outdoors and visiting the ocean whenever we can.
I am truly looking forward to joining the team at Stafford Children’s Center and am excited to meet and work with the students, families, and staff.
(802) 770-1042
