BENNINGTON, Vt. — Southwestern Vermont Health Care (SVHC) and the Community College of Vermont (CCV) launched their Early Childhood Education (ECE) Residency Program with a ceremony attended by the 18 matriculating students, each organization's staff, and representatives from Vermont's Federal Legislative Delegation. 

 

The ECE Residency program incentivizes early childhood education students in either CCV's early childhood education associate degree or childcare certificate program by paying them to increase their course load and graduate sooner. 

 

Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration congressionally directed funds through Vermont's federal legislative delegation, the Early Childhood Education (ECE) Residency Program pays students $3,500 when they enroll in more classes during the spring semester to focus on their studies. Many students pursuing a career in early childhood education, otherwise known as childcare, work full- or part-time while taking classes. Generally, this need for income to cover life expenses hampers a student's ability to take a full course load and extends the time until they receive their certificate or degree and enter the workforce.

 

"Our partnership with CCV targets a real challenge in our community—developing a labor pipeline for childcare," stated James Trimarchi, director of planning at SVHC. "The ECE Residency Program has created a conduit for individuals to be more than part-time or pay-as-you-go students."

 

Spots in the program filled quickly, with 18 students receiving funding for the spring 2023 semester. Award recipients represent 9 of CCV's 12 academic center locations, as well as its Center for Online Learning. 

 

"Because of this program, I now don't have to work seven days a week," said CCV student Jasmine Jones. "I'm hoping to gain my associate degree and go further to get my bachelor's because I want to [work] in a school setting because I feel inspired by the people that I work with in the program."

 

James Paradissis, an outreach representative for Senator Bernie Sanders, read a statement: "Congratulations to the inaugural class of the early childhood education residency program, and thank you SVHC and CCV for working together to address the critical need to improve the childcare workforce. Your enrollment in this program shows that government can work for people, and that we can actively address the needs of Vermonters and our communities. I am proud that you all have chosen this incredibly important field and wish you all the best in the months and years ahead of you."