Our trained staff provides a […]
The proper time to influence the character of a child is about a hundred years before they are born.-W.R. Inge
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The Charitable Gift Annuity
The charitable gift annuity offers you a way to make a significant gift to the Vermont Achievement Center (VAC) while continuing to provide income for your own future or others you wish to assist.
In exchange for a gift of cash, securities, or other assets, VAC agrees to pay one or two […]
Supporters
The Vermont Achievement Center is supported by a diverse group of philanthropic, public and community organizations, and private individuals that are committed to helping families succeed. Our supporters provide valuable resources, financial support and expertise that not only helps extend our efforts but also helps strengthen our community.If you are interested in supporting the […]
Apply online: click here for an application for Financial Assistance
In order to be eligible for child care Financial Assistance a family must have an eligible service need for child care and income must be within the established income eligibility guidelines. Acceptable service needs include:
Employment: Employment is any activity for which a parent receives […]
The CCSS referral program is a free and confidential service which informs and educates parents and the community about child care options and programs. The program provides referrals to child care programs, not recommendations. Information is provided to assist parents in clarifying their needs for child care, and addressing their questions associated with child care. Parents are also informed about financial assistance, and are given verbal and written information on choosing quality child care.
Need help paying for Child Care? Go to
http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/child_care_financial_assistance/forms
Listing of Rutland County Child Care Providers
Helpful information and FAQs for parents beginning to search for child care.
To find out if a program has had any violations on the regulations in the past two years go to www.brightfuturesinfo.org and search the Provider directory by entering a Providers Name. You can also call Vermont’s Child Care Consumer Line at 1-800-540-7942.
Here are some helpful hints when looking for a child care:
LOOK…Visit several Child Care homes or centers. Does it look safe? Do the teachers enjoy talking and playing with children? Do they talk with each child at the child’s level? Are there plenty of toys and learning materials within a child’s reach?
LISTEN…Do the children sound happy and involved? Do the teachers speak in cheerful and patient tones? A place that is too quiet may mean not enough activity. A place that is too noisy may mean that there is a lack of control.
COUNT…Count the number of children in the group. Then count the number of staff members caring for them. A program is able to focus attention on your child, if the teacher to child ratio and size of group is low.
ASK… Ask about the background and experience of the provider. Child care providers with special skills may be able to offer more to your family.
Ask how long the staff have been with the program. If the staff have been with a program for a long time it may be a sign that the program is responsive to the staff’s needs as well as the family’s needs.
If you have any questions or concerns, discuss them with the provider as soon as possible.
Other things to consider:
Is the child care program accredited or have a STAR quality rating?
Accreditation means they have demonstrated to a national organization that they go above and beyond the basic regulations and requirements. Accreditation is an investment by the child care program in the quality of the child care they provide. There are several types of accreditation for the different types of child care programs. They include:
Vermont also has a quality rating system for child care called STARS (STep Ahead Recognition System). Programs that participate in STARS are stepping ahead — going beyond the regulations to provide professional services to meet the needs of children and families. Programs receive one to five stars based on points earned in five areas of child care. The five areas of child care are:
Parents are encouraged to ask child care programs about specific STARS achievements. It can be interesting and informative to discuss areas of strength as well as plans for continued improvement. For more information about STARS please visit http://dcf.vermont.gov/cdd/stars.
Need help paying for child care? The Child Care Financial Assistance Program is a program for qualifying Vermont residents to assist in paying for child care.
For more information contact Child Care Support Services at 747-0033.
For concerns about the referral services you received, call Vermont’s Child Development Division at 800-649-2642.
For more information contact:
Child Care Referral & Outreach Specialist, Sheryl Desautels
802-747-0033 or 802-775-2395 x2100 Fax: 802-773-9656
referral@vacvt.org
VAC has established after-school enrichment programs at satellite locations through collaborations with elementary schools. Our multi-age, five day a week programs offers school-age children an opportunity to develop social, emotional and academic skills in a safe and nurturing environment.
VAC has A satellite program at the following school:
Castleton-Hubbardton Union School# 42
After-school Enrichment Program K-6th grade
Monday […]
VAC understands that working parents need support too. Our Early Education and Care programs offer a variety of enriching and quality care programs for infants, toddlers, preschool, and school-aged children year-round.
Our programs bring children together in an enriched, developmentally appropriate learning environment. More than just child care, our programs promote independence, self-esteem, growth in […]
