VERMONT — VSA Vermont is currently accepting applications for its fall semester of Start With The Arts, a professional development program for childcare providers. This experiential, on-site, inclusive arts-based literacy program is offered for no cost to providers and the children they care for, ages 0-5. By the end of the program, providers have the inspiration and confidence to continue the use of the model on their own.
One past participant said of her time in the program, “I am thinking more outside of the box. Children in my care are more confident, creative, and are taking liberties and trying new things.”
In the program, teaching artists are matched with home-based childcare providers to develop a sustained relationship with both providers and children. Teaching artists provide model lessons directly to children in the classroom, after which the provider delivers and documents their own arts-based literacy lessons. This is accompanied by meetings to reflect and engage in new learning related to child development and inclusive teaching methods.
Providers completing Start With The Arts are eligible to receive professional development hours applicable to STARS or any registration requirements, including Advanced Specialized Care training.
Since 2006, Start With The Arts has engaged more than 3,000 children and 500 childcare providers throughout the state.
New this year, VSA Vermont has opportunities for past providers to participate again. The Family & Community Engagement program offers second-tier professional development, adding to the original program concepts. Family & Community Engagement seeks to increase positive interactions between children and adults and between childcare providers and families, while building new skills for the provider. In addition, the original Start With The Arts program includes new content focused on social and emotional learning while maintaining its roots in arts-based literacy.
Home-based childcare providers serving children ages 0-5 who want to increase their program quality, learn how to deeply engage with children in their care, families, and the community, and earn free hours towards STARS and Advanced Specialized Care status are strongly encouraged to apply. With teaching artists in every region of Vermont, VSA VT welcomes all applicants from all areas.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 9/15/18. For more information and to apply, contact Peggy Rainville at [email protected], or visit vsavt.org.