The Family Connection celebrated it first year of operation by hosting a Donor’s Reception on December 4, 2007. A donor’s mobile was unveiled at the center to recognize those committed to strengthening the early education “infrastructure” in the territory.  The event was well attended by community members, enthusiastic to lend their support to the early child care environment in the VI. First Lady Cecile deJongh was among the champions of The Family Connection initiative.

This year TFC has built a cutting edge resource library with more than 250 professional titles on early literacy, curriculum, child psychology, and the business management of child care centers. Additionally, TFC center offers a lending library with more than 1,000 developmentally appropriate toys and children's books. Over 150 parents, child care providers, teachers and university students are regular visitors to the TFC Center.

TFC is the leader in early child care professional development, providing early childhood social and emotional workshops as well as early literacy workshops in the USVI territory. TFC also frequently reaches out to community groups to provide training by request. The TFC Center has become an important space for the early childhood community to gather and share ideas on raising the standard for high-quality care in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

TFC is supporting professional excellence by guiding 11 child care centers through the NAEYC accreditation process—the nationally recognized seal of excellence in early child care.  TFC sponsored 11 members of the NAEYC affiliate on St. Thomas to the National conference in Chicago.

Research demonstrates that for every $1 a community invests in providing high-quality early childhood programs, $17 are saved in welfare, special education and criminal justice costs. When communities make early child care, pre-school education and family-support services available, they make a sound investment that builds a strong community of contributing citizens.               

TFC looks forward to partnering with leaders in the USVI to ensure that all children entering school are prepared to learn through the Leadership in Action Program— an initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Donna Stark, Director of Leadership Development with the Annie E. Casey Foundation, visited the Virgin Islands to meet with Governor deJongh, cabinet members and community leaders in St. Croix and in the St. John-St. Thomas districts, providing critical information on the LAP program to community leaders seeking to make a measurable difference in the lives of children and families. 

TFC has expanded its services with weekend and evening hours, an increase in staff, and a new center in development on St. Croix. TFC continues to reach out to the early childhood community by offering impact grants of up to $5,000 for early childhood education initiatives.  
                     

Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands
PO Box 11790 | St. Thomas, USVI 00801-4790 | Phone: 340-774-6031 | Fax: 340-774-3852 | www.cfvi.net