Establishing an Academy Format Suitable for Vermont

The results of the questionnaires, interviews, and 1-day collaborative planning meeting reflected the political and geographical realities of Vermont. Respondents did not support the idea of a weeklong training academy. Several factors were involved. Small, rural programs could little afford to have one or two representatives gone an entire week without severely inhibiting their ability to function. In Vermont, there is a heavy concentration of mothers of young children in the workforce; childcare issues were cited as a factor prohibiting a weeklong absence for many in the field. A small mountain range runs through Vermont, making travel to one central location undesirable. The format most appealing to respondents included three 2-day segments delivered in May, October, and February. Respondents requested delivery in at least two locations, one in the south and one more centrally located. This meant that the entire sequence would be offered twice. Not hosting participants overnight would significantly reduce the cost of the state academy. It was decided that during the implementation phase, courses would be offered free of charge. In addition, texts, handouts, refreshments (including lunch), and fees for academic credit would also be free. The cost of delivering both the southern and central 6-day academy sequence to approximately 80 participants would cost approximately $20,000 (about $250 per person).