SVHC20-21reportpagesJuly27 - Flipbook - Page 16
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
Learning Tree Childcare Center
earns five stars
At a time when nothing was certain for so many, the Learning Tree Childcare
Center offered families and children in Bennington a much-needed constant:
exceptional child care.
In 2021, that care was recognized by the Vermont Step Ahead Recognition
System (STARS) which awarded it the highest possible rating of five stars.
According to the Center’s director Nancy Noel, “The STARS program recognizes
the efforts our entire staff makes to provide care that far exceeds the basic
requirements. Towards that end, staff completed over 500 hours of professional
development and more than 10 college classes collectively, much of it focused on
supporting the social-emotional needs of our children and developing effective
ways to remain connected with parents while social distancing was in effect.”
In addition to creating a dedicated Facebook page for Learning Tree families, the
center invested in new play structures to provide more safe outdoor learning and
play opportunities.
Senator Leahy secures funds for expansion of The Learning Tree
Recognizing the importance of child care to communities and employers, U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy
announced the inclusion of $750,000 in a Senate spending bill for a significant expansion of the Learning
Tree Early Education Program. In addition, Senator Bernie Sanders secured an additional $77,000 of
federal dollars for the effort. The expansion will enable the Center to nearly double its care capacity
for children between the ages of six weeks to five years old. Currently located in the oldest building on
campus, the Center may be relocated on campus or to the former Southern Vermont College campus.
Either way, the designated funds will address a critical need for the community and hospital workforce.
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