Vermont Achievement Center: Pool, EEC & More

04/13/2026

Fox Hollow Forest School and the Vermont Achievement Center (VAC) are pleased to announce a new lease agreement that will expand Fox Hollow's nature-based preschool program to VAC's campus at 88 Park Street in Rutland City. The partnership marks the opening of Fox Hollow's second location and signals the beginning of what both organizations hope will be a long and fruitful collaboration in service of Rutland County's youngest learners and their families.

Fox Hollow Forest School — Rutland County's first forest preschool — was founded on the knowledge that many children, particularly our youngest, thrive when they are given time, space, and freedom to learn in the natural world. Since opening its first location on the grounds of Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden, Fox Hollow has offered full-day, year-round education and care for children ages 3–5, spending between 4 - 8 hours outside in the East Creek Trails every day. The new Rutland Location at VAC will offer year round programs for children aged 1 - 6 as well as after school and summer programs for elementary aged children for a total capacity of 68 during the School Year and 94 during Summer.

“We couldn't ask for a better space for the next chapter of our journey.” said Fox Hollow owner Kristin Lucas, who will become the Executive Director of Fox Hollow, overseeing both campuses “For us, it’s almost unbelievable to find a location so central that also has 3.5 acres of forest land for nature based learning, and we are excited to work with the VAC team."

VAC has been serving children and families in Rutland since 1937, growing from a small association into one of the largest providers of social services in Rutland County. Its campus already houses an integrated early education and care program, Sheldon Academy and multiple family-focused grant programs— making it one of the most dynamic hubs of child and family services in the region. Leadership sees the Fox Hollow partnership as a natural continuation of their mission.

"“VAC has always been a place where the community comes together," said Mark Mossey, VAC Executive Director. "Welcoming Fox Hollow Forest School is a symbol of everything we stand for. We are excited about what we can build together."

VAC's own preschool program will continue to operate on campus alongside Fox Hollow, with the two programs running in parallel and committed to learning from one another. Rather than

competition, the two organizations see this as synergistic — providing choice for families on what type of program suits their values and children’s dispositions.

"Having both types of programs available to families works really well already in our current partnership with Barstow Memorial School." explained Kristin Lucas, “Every family is different and choices about how your child spends their day and the type of education they receive is wonderful for the Rutland community.”

To support the launch of the Rutland City location and the approximately 90 children it will house between its various programs, Fox Hollow will be hiring many educators over the coming months. “We have a couple of team members who have been with us for a while joining the new site, including myself, and we’ve already had interest from early educators from around the country, willing to relocate to Rutland for this opportunity.” explained Kristin, “It’s very exciting.”

“This expansion is only possible because of Act 76” stated Clair Purcell, a co-owner of the school who will continue in a Board Member capacity. Act 76 is the 2024 legislation that provides more funding for early childhood education through a small tax on businesses. “Rutland County needs over a thousand childcare spots to meet demand.1 Thanks to Act 76, we can invest in infrastructure and pay livable wages even while families are only charged on a sliding scale according to their income and need. It’s a fantastic system and we’re grateful to childcare advocates like Let’s Grow Kids, VTAEYC and Building Bright Futures for creating the foundation for this expansion.”

Enrollments are open now with tours of the classrooms and outdoor forest space taking place in July and August once the weather has warmed up to get it prepared. More details can be found on a dedicated website for the Rutland City location www.foxhollowrutlandcity.com.

About Fox Hollow Forest School
To learn more about Fox Hollow Forest School, Rutland campus: visit www.foxhollowrutlandcity.com
Chittenden Campus: visit www.foxhollowforestschool.com
Contact: Kristin Lucas, [email protected] | 802 774 8726

To learn more about Vermont Achievement Center, visit www.vacvt.org.

Contact: Mark Mossey, Executive Director, 802.775.2395, x2094 | [email protected]

01/23/2026

Sheldon Academy at VT Achievement Center, Inc. is growing!

We're thrilled to announce the opening of a brand-new elementary classroom for the 2026–2027 school year, and we're building a dynamic, collaborative classroom team to bring it to life.
We anticipate hiring:
- An Elementary School Teacher
- A Special Education Teacher
- Two Therapeutic Advocates
With small class sizes of just 5–8 students, this classroom offers a unique opportunity to deliver creative, hands-on, and flexible instruction in a highly supportive, team-based environment. If you're passionate about innovative education and making a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you!

Resumes accepted through the end of February via our website: www.vacvt.org or email to [email protected] or mail to Monica Roussin, 88 Park Street, Rutland VT 05701.

Vermont Achievement Center continues to evolve to meet the dynamic needs of people we serve through the commitment of our staff, volunteers, collaborative partners and Board by creating opportunities to live, work and play in our ever-changing community.

01/20/2026

Our preschool class is participating in Hearts Across America! ❤️
We’re trying to collect letters, postcards, or Valentines from all 50 states—and even from overseas if you’d like to help!
If you’re able to send something, please mail it to the address below. The children are so excited to learn about the different states and countries, and every piece of mail helps make this a memorable learning experience for them.
Thank you for supporting our class! 💌🌎

01/12/2026

Just a few pictures from our Holiday celebrations! A HUGE thank you to David Blow, Professor of Communications at Vt State University at Castleton and his students who raised over $1500! Gifts were bought, wrapped and distributed to some of our VAC families!

01/12/2026

Join Our Team! Child Care Referral and Outreach Specialist

About Us:
· Vermont Achievement Center, Inc. (VAC), serving Rutland and Vermont since 1937.
· Offers innovative programs in special and early education, child care, water safety, and aqua therapy.

About the Role:

· Position: Child Care Outreach and Referral Specialist

· Location: Rutland, Vermont

· Pay: $19-$20.00 per hour

· Hours: Full-time, 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide high-quality education and referrals on child care options and what constitutes quality care.

· Respond promptly to inquiries from families and providers within one to two business days.

· Maintain up-to-date records of regulated child care programs using the CDDIS System.

· Conduct outreach to gather data on slot availability and support program marketing efforts.

· Inform about financial assistance options, including state programs, tax credits, scholarships, prekindergarten, and Head Start.

-Provide front desk and phone support

-Work closely with the Child Care Financial Assistance and Children's Integrated Services team providing office support

Qualifications:

· Associate's Degree or higher preferred

· Prompt communication skills

· Proficiency in maintaining records

· Effective outreach and data collection

· Knowledge of registered and licensed childcare programs is a plus!

Benefits:

· 403(b) Retirement with employer matching

· Health, Dental, STD, LTD, and Life Insurance

· Paid time off (vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and parental leave)

· Employee assistance and discount programs, including a 45% childcare discount

- Heating fuel discount program

· Professional development assistance and tuition reimbursement

Apply Today to Make a Difference!

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. The principal duties and responsibilities listed above are subject to change.

Vermont Achievement Center, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on age, gender, disability, military status, race, religion, marital status, or any other protected classes under the law.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:
401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Parental leave
Professional development assistance
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

To apply or for more information please contact: [email protected] or call Monica Rousin at 802 775-2395 x 2095.

01/07/2026

VAC has a 2 hour delay. Staff in at 10:00, students/child care in at 10:30.

12/29/2025

Update: VAC is closed today!

12/29/2025

VAC has a 2 hr delay today . Kids in at 10:30 Staff in at 10.

12/18/2025

Thanks for joining us at our annual Tree lighting event! 🎄Pictures with Santa, cookies, hot cocoa, fun for all !

12/10/2025

Due to inclement weather, VAC will be closed today.