For her work to advance equity and excellence in early childhood education in Vermont and across the country, the Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VTAEYC) honored ̽̽ Assistant Professor Kaitlin Northey at its annual conference on November 7. The prestigious Outstanding Member Award recognizes Northey’s community engagement and contributions to young children and the issues that affect them.
“Early childhood preparation programs and institutions of higher education are critical parts of the infrastructure for our state’s early childhood care and education system,” Northey said. “Through my research, teaching, and service, I aim to inform improvements to early childhood systems and contribute to evidence-based decision making. In collaboration with VTAEYC, Building Bright Futures, and Let’s Grow Kids, I have been fortunate to apply my research and expertise to initiatives happening right here in Vermont.”
“Kaitie is an extremely valuable member of VTAEYC and strengthens early childhood education in our state every day,” said Executive Director Sharron Harrington.
Northey represents ̽̽ through her work with the Vermont Early Childhood Higher Education Consortium, a group the brings representatives of early childhood education programs together with multiple state agency leaders and advocates. As a member of the Vermont Early Childhood Policy Work Group, she collaborates with advocates and state leaders on current issues and legislative efforts. She also serves as a valuable resource on the Advancing Early Childhood Education as a Profession Core Team at VTAEYC.
As an educator, Northey's impact on students is profound. “Kaitie was always there for me when I needed help or advice," said Sarah Bassett, a former student and advisee of Northey's. "And she is an incredible professor. We are lucky because she cares so much not only about the field of early childhood education, but also about us as people. She fosters a great sense of community as we chat about our student teaching experiences in the field.”
Earlier this year, Northey provided valuable feedback and advice for a survey to the early childhood education workforce. "Her thoughtful questions and recommendations provide key insights on how to grow a highly qualified, well-prepared workforce,” said Harrington. "She also facilitated a study group that was instrumental in aligning Vermont’s higher education programs with professional preparation recommendations from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)."
To share her work with colleagues across the country, Northey engages with a national community of practices group hosted by NAEYC. Her recent article with Susan Titterton titled "Implementing an 'Audacious Vision': A Collaborative Approach Across Vermont Higher Education Programs" is published in . She will present her work at the and national conferences this month.
“There are an incredible number of people working tirelessly to improve our state’s early childhood education and care system, and I am grateful to work alongside them," said Northey. "I think this award also shines a light on the important role researchers and institutions of higher education can play in supporting the continuous improvement of our early childhood care and education system.”
Early Childhood Education at ̽̽
̽̽'s Early Childhood Education Program uses an "early and often" approach to field experience, immersing students in the field during their first year. Service-learning, practicums, and student teaching internships with community partners provide opportunities to work in a variety of inclusive learning settings with young children and families, fully supported by dedicated faculty and experienced mentor teachers. The nationally accredited program enjoys licensure reciprocity with states around the country.
Funding & Scholarships
̽̽ provides a variety of financial support for qualified students. In addition, Vermont's newly created provides funding for tuition and other expenses. The administered by VTAEYC is a comprehensive scholarship program that provides the early childhood workforce access to debt-free educational opportunities.
Full-time educators who earned their early childhood education degree can apply for .
