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.
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.
Program Instructor
Susan Densmore
Susan Densmore was born and raised in the Rutland, Vermont area. She currently resides in West Rutland with her husband Dick and has two adult daughters, Melissa and Nicole. Prior to becoming the Human Services instructor in 2006 she worked with the program for twenty years as the Stafford Technical Center Preschool teacher and as an assistant to the Human Services instructor. Mrs. Densmore also spent several years as the summer camp director for the town of West Rutland. Mrs. Densmore holds a B. S. in Education from the College of Saint Joseph and is a State of Vermont Level II licensed teacher with endorsements in Occupational Family and Consumer Sciences and Early Childhood.
[email protected]
770-1040
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.
[email protected]
770-1042
Tammy Foley, Class of 1986
It is not just for “those students”. The hands on, skill specific programs offer in depth learning to prepare you, not only for the workforce, but also college. Although college credits were not offered when I was a student at Stafford, all of the other instruction and preparation gave me a better perspective of where I was headed in the future.
Program Advisory Committee
| Name | Business |
|---|---|
| Margaret Ames | STC Preschool |
| Elaine Beal | Family & Consumer Sciences- RHS |
| Sue Grenier | Little Lambs ELC |
| Liz King | Home Child Care Provider |
| Beth Mckee | VAC Child Care |
| Nancy McGill | RSSU PreK Funds |
| Stephanie Sule | The Pines |
| Laura Rubenis | CCV |
| Sarah Crossmon | RCPS PreK Coordinator |
Dual Enrollment/College Credits
Dual enrollment with CCV; articulation agreement with College of St. Joseph
Certifications
VT Child Care Industry & Careers Council Certifications, American Heart Association HeartSaver® First Aid/CPR with AED including Infants and Children Students completing 90% of the Core Competencies will receive a certificate from Stafford Technical Center.
Average Career Salaries
| Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Childcare | $20,320 |
| Care of the Elderly | $25,710 |
| Disabled Caretaker | $20,980 |
| Adolescence | $30,000 |
*Average Salaries taken from the Department of Labor (dol.gov) and Payscale (payscale.com).
Requirements For This Program
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 state Child Care Services Division
Recommended Prerequisites: basic math and number sense; ability to read and follow a recipe; strong interpersonal skills; effective communication skills; at least 16 years old
Reading Level of course materials: Grade 9.2
Scales for standards assessed in this program