Education & Human Services students study human development and the physical development of infants,children, the elderly, and adolescents.

College Credits

Vermont State College PSY 2070 Lifespan Developmental Psychology ( 3 credits)

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

APPLY

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 —Northeast 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

Embedded Credits: 1 Social Studies OR 1 FACS ( Family and Consumer Studies)

Scales for standards assessed in this program

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.

ja***************@****vt.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.

ma***********@****vt.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

Mandie smiling 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

Education & Human Services

The left side of the graphic includes the Stafford Technical Center logo and the phrase:

Career Tree – Education with Purpose

This infographic uses the image of a large tree to illustrate career pathways in Education & Human Services.

The tree begins with roots that represent the personal and educational foundation needed for career success. The trunk symbolizes growth, and the tree branches into three progressively higher levels of careers represented by layered platforms surrounding the tree.

Graphic Structure

Foundation (Roots)

The roots of the tree are labeled with four foundational elements:

Academics
Experiences
Professional Skills
Passion

These elements are presented as the basis for career development.

Level 1 – Entry-Level Careers

With Program Completion

Examples include:

Child Care Aide
Registered Child Care Home
Camp Counselor
Nursing Home Activities Staff
Personal Care Aide
Special Needs Respite Care
Afterschool Program Aide
Au Pair/ Nanny
Children’s Party Planner
Community Based Program Aide
Coach/Sports Instructor
Cruise Ship/ Resort Child Care Provider

Level 2 – Technical Careers

Apprenticeship, Associate Degree, Advanced Certification, Experience, etc.

Career options include:

Child Care Assistant
Licensed Nursing Assistant
Youth Program Assistant
Social Services Aide
Camp Coordinator
Au Pair/ Nanny
Child Development Paraprofessional
Child Welfare Specialist
Guardian Ad Litem
Family & Human Services Employee
Juvenile Correctional Officer
Midwife

Level 3 – Professional Careers

Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Ph.D., Specialized Training, Experience, etc.