Governor Markell visits Latin American Community Center
The State of Delaware has been awarded a $5.5 million dollar federal grant to offer expanded services for infants, toddlers, and their families. The state will receive $1.1 million per year for five years under this award, which will help low-income families receive high quality, comprehensive services for their children. Beginning in January 2015, the state will partner with six early childhood providers to increase Early Head Start (EHS) services for 72 children statewide. Latin American Community Center (LACC) is one of two partners in New Castle County, and will expand EHS services for 20 infants and toddlers (birth – 3) currently enrolled in LACC’s La Fiesta Early Development Program.
To mark this special occasion, Governor Jack Markell visited LACC on Thursday, December 11 for a tour and group discussion, along with Jennifer Ranji, Division of Services for Children, Youth & Families (DSCYF) Cabinet Secretary. During the visit, the Governor observed two Pre-K 3 classrooms and read a story about snow to a captive class of 2-year olds. Time was set aside for Governor Markell to meet with LACC’s President and CEO, Maria Matos, along with the Director of Early Development, Faith Scheibe, to discuss the award and the impact it will have on LACC’s infants,
toddlers, and their families. Maria stressed, “The money helps level the playing field for both resourced and non-resourced children.”
Through the federal grant, infants and toddlers will participate in full day, year-round programs with comprehensive services that include: health and developmental screenings; expanded family engagement opportunities (home visits and conferences); support for parents’ education and other needs; and health and nutrition services.
Funding from the state will provide LACC additional resources which will:
Offset scholarship funding currently provided to families; Promote professional development for teachers; Increase teacher’s salaries; and Support classroom resources (tools and materials).
About Latin American Community Center (LACC):
LACC is a nonprofit organization, located in Wilmington’s Hilltop neighborhood, in the middle of it all. Each year, LACC’s 100+ bilingual and bicultural employees provide a continuum of care approach to service that touches the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. LACC’s La Fiesta Early Development Program is Stars 5 rated, and serves as the only model, across the county, using Expeditionary Learning and language immersion for infants and toddlers. LACC’s mission is, “to advocate for and assist the Latino Community by offering services in a continuum of care that promotes empowerment and an enhanced quality of life while celebrating our diverse cultures.” For more information about the Latin American Community Center, contact Mary Jo
DiAngelo at tel: (302) 442-7709, email: MDiangelo@thelatincenter.org or visit: http://www.thelatincenter.org
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