The Early Education and Care Department will passionately represent the VOC mission by providing high quality early education experiences for children and their families. Through the use of agency and community resources and high quality early educational programming, we will strengthen and empower families and increase positive outcome opportunities for children and their families. The department will have a supportive, effective infrastructure that will be finanically viable, strong, and effective.
What will you find in a VOC Early Education program?
Children and adults feel welcome when they visit the program. Educators help new children adjust to the program environment and make friends with other children.
All families are welcome and encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the program.
Educators engage in warm, friendly conversations with the children and encourage and recognize children’s work and accomplishments.
Children are given opportunities to learn and develop through exploration and play.
Materials and equipment spark children’s interest and encourage them to experiment and learn.
Activities are designed to help children get better at reasoning, solving problems, getting along with others, using language, and developing other skills.
Educators modify strategies and materials to respond to the needs and interests of individual children, engaging each child and enhancing learning.
Families receive information about their child’s development and learning on a regular basis.
Educators have educational qualifications and specialized knowledge about young children and early childhood development.
The program uses a variety of strategies to communicate with families, including family conferences, new family orientations, and individual conversations.
Snacks and meals are nutritious and food is prepared and stored safely.
Educators are CPR and First Aid certified and undergo a thorough background record check.
Early Education and Care Staff List
Position
Name
Phone (413) 552-1559
Director of Early Education and Care
Jennifer Malone
x325
Priority Populations Manager
Rae-Ann Rogers
x315
Educator Support Manager
Norma Cartagena
x306
Enrollment Manager
Jessica King
x329
Lead Center Director
Heather Carr
x335
Program Nurse
Lisa Dube
x321
Program Assistant
Diane Cruz
x301
Educator Billing Assistant
Pat Laughlin
x311
Enrollment Specialist/Vouchers
Dolines Morales
x303
Enrollment Specialist/Contracts
Evelyn Berrios
x302
Enrollment Specialist
Yolanda Vargas
x304
Enrollment Specialist
Katie Colon
x319
Social Worker
Melissa Fitzgerald
x310
Social Worker
Kathy Stark
x309
Social Worker
Brenda Delgado
x320
Social Worker
Hilda Schwartzwald
x322
Social Worker Assistant & PEG Enrollment Specialist
