Chuck (Kathryn) Bayles of Barre, Vermont died unexpectedly in her home on Saturday, August 22, 2009. She was 53 years old. She was co-owner of Learning Partners, Inc. a consulting firm known for its work in developing and administering the STep Ahead Recognition Program (STARS), Vermont's quality rating system for child care, preschool, and after school programs throughout the state. She also taught several courses as an adjunct faculty member at CCV in the fields of early childhood and school age development and with her business partner, Deb Curtis, delivered professional development trainings across the state for those working with children and families. Chuck was well loved and respected in the early childhood and school age community. Chuck was born in Columbus, Ohio on May 21, 1956, the third child in a family of four. She was the quirkiest and perhaps most adventuresome of the kids, often instigating many of the childhood misadventures she and her sister and brothers would later regret. Chuck grew up in Bloomington, Indiana and attended college there. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in child development from Indiana University in the 1970s and was well respected by students and faculty alike for her research and teaching skills. Having spent wonderful summers in Greensboro, Vermont for most of her life, Chuck decided to more to Barre in 1990 where she worked at Turtle Island Childcare Center and at the Family Center of Washington County in Montpelier before starting the consulting firm, Learning Partners in July 2000. Working with her business partner Deb Curtis, the business was dedicated to making the world a better place for children. Chuck is survived by her sister Jenny Bayles of Buffalo, New York, brothers Ernie Bayles of Ithaca, New York, and Jeff Bayles of San Rafael, California, her niece Eleanor Bayles of Ithaca, New York, nephews Noah and Ezra Steinfeld of Buffalo and Spencer Bayles of Ithaca, New York, her business partner and best friend, Deb Curtis, Deb's two children Ryan and Hannah Moraski of Barre, and Chuck's two cats, Sukey and Tucker. We will all miss her. Chuck was predeceased by her mother Rosemary (Buehler) Fraser, stepfather Dean Fraser, father Lewis Allen Bayles, and stepmother Roberta Bayles. As was her wish upon leaving this life, Chuck's body has been donated for use in forensic science and no memorial service is being planned. Those wishing to remember Chuck should send donations in her memory to Central Vermont Humane Society, PO Box 687,Montpelier, VT 05601.