Sponsors:
- Need qualified mentors on site who are willing to work closely with less experienced staff.
- Commit to the process of ongoing professional development for their staff members.
- Should think carefully about which staff members would be a good match for this on-the-job training program and scholarship model.
- Ensure that the apprentice/mentor team has adequate release time during the regular work week for on-the-job support, including regular observations/assessments and meetings.
- Document a progressive wage scale during and upon completion of the 4000-hour training program, as prescribed in the Standards of Apprenticeship approved by the VT Department of Labor.
- Enter into a T.E.A.C.H. scholarship contract for each year their apprentice is in class.
- Provide 3 hours/week of paid release time for each apprentice during school terms.
- Ensure their apprentices receive a 1.5% pay increase upon successful completion of each T.E.A.C.H. contract.
- Provide proof of participation, or willingness to participate, in a quality initiative such as STARS, Head Start, or NAEYC/NAFCC accreditation.
