Award Recognizes Two Decades of Guiding Young Children, Strengthening Families, and Leadership
Montpelier — The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) is proud to announce that Jen Ricker, lead teacher at the Winston Prouty Center for Child and Family Development in Brattleboro, has been named the 2025 Vermont Early Childhood Educator of the Year.
Ricker, who teaches infants and toddlers, was recognized for her two decades of work supporting children and families by building warm and welcoming relationships between family and classroom, establishing parents and teachers as partners in each child’s development. She was also recognized for supporting fellow educators through mentorship, and community leadership. The award was presented at the VTAEYC Annual Conference at Burlington’s Hotel Champlain, where hundreds of early childhood educators gathered.
“Jen Ricker knows the family values and culture of each infant and toddler in her classroom, and helps families learn about their child’s learning and developmental steps. This is what exemplary care and education looks like for our youngest children,” said Sharron Harrington, executive director of VTAEYC. “She creates classrooms where children thrive, families build positive connections to their children’s education, and colleagues grow as professionals. Her leadership and mentorship sets a powerful example for the field.”
Ricker has worked in early childhood education for more than 20 years and is known for her collaborative approach and her ability to tailor learning environments to each child’s individual needs. In her classroom at Winston Prouty, infants and toddlers are encouraged to explore, grow, and build self-confidence. She also co-leads Family Circle, a monthly gathering that brings families together for shared meals, conversation, and peer support.
“Families are our partners in children’s learning,” said Ricker. “When we share ideas and observe together, we create the best support system for each child. I love working with the youngest children because there’s so much growth that happens in that first year of life.”
“She is the teacher every parent hopes for: empathetic, tireless, and dedicated to lifting up everyone in the classroom,” said Dora Levinson of Building Bright Futures, who also has a child at Winston Prouty nominated Ricker. “Jen goes above and beyond to support children, families, and colleagues, and ensures the next generation of educators is empowered and inspired.”
Through mentoring high school students and coaching teachers across Vermont, Ricker is helping strengthen the early childhood workforce and recruit talented future educators. Her philosophy centers on curiosity, independence, and collaboration as foundations for lifelong learning.
As Vermont Early Childhood Educator of the Year, Ricker will receive a $2,500 prize and all expenses paid to attend the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Annual Conference.
In addition to Early Childhood Educator of the Year, VTAEYC presented awards that recognize excellence and advocacy among individuals at all career stages who are working both within and in support of early childhood education. The awardees are:
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Distinguished Service Award: Christina Nelson, North Troy
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Emerging Leader Award: Jen Olson, Hinesburg
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Outstanding Member Award: Alexandria Whitcomb, Graniteville
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Student of the Year Award: Hannah Woods, Bennington
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Children’s Champion Awards:
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Senator Alison Clarkson, Woodstock
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Senator Becca White, White River Junction
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Senator Brian Collamore, Rutland
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About VTAEYC
The Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) advances excellence and equity in early childhood education as the state’s largest membership organization for early childhood educators and is the state affiliate of NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Formed 50 years ago by a grassroots effort and now with more than 500 members, VTAEYC provides advocacy, workforce development, professional development, and other resources to support early childhood educators. VTAEYC works to strengthen today’s workforce and build a more equitable early childhood education system for the future. Learn more at vtaeyc.org.
