Today, Governor Phil Scott announced the appointment of Steven Berbeco, to be the next Deputy Commissioner of the Child Development Division of the Department for Children and Families (DCF) within the Agency of Human Services. Mr. Berbeco will lead the Department’s child care and early learning work.
“Early care and learning can help grow the economy, make Vermont more affordable and protect the most vulnerable; it supports working parents and can be a draw for young working families,” said Governor Phil Scott. “That’s why, over the last three years, we have worked hard to increase funding for these critical years in a child’s life – to improve outcomes later in a child’s life and so that parents have the assurance their kids are safe and getting a strong foundation. The Child Development Division plays a critical role in this work and I’m pleased to welcome Steven to the team.”
Mr. Berbeco is a licensed superintendent in Vermont, Massachusetts, and Arizona. Berbeco has a diverse background in administration, education, linguistics, and holds a doctorate and three master’s degrees in education and linguistics. Most recently, he was the Superintendent for the Hopi Junior/Senior High School in Arizona, grades 7-12.
Secretary of Human Services Mike Smith said, “Steven is clearly committed to working continuously to improve early childhood development in Vermont. We are pleased to welcome Steven into this leadership role with the State of Vermont.”
“Steven’s background in education, leadership, and as a systems innovator provides the right balance to bring the Child Development Division forward,” said Commissioner Ken Schatz of the Department for Children and Families.
Steven Berbeco will begin his role at the Deputy Commissioner of the Child Development Division on Monday, February 10th.
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The Vermont Department for Children and Families delivers a wide array of programs and services to Vermonters in areas such as child care, child development, child protection, child support, disability determination, and economic benefits that help meet basic needs.