On Wednesday, First Lady Cecile de Jongh applauded approximately 100 child care directors and staff at a VI Department of Human Services Appreciation Day ceremony on St. Thomas. The first-ever event was held at the Sugar Bay Beach Resort and was an opportunity to raise awareness on the importance of high quality child care services, especially early education and care, for all Virgin Islands children. 

In recognition of the critical role that early care providers have on our children’s healthy development, Governor de Jongh declared October 5, 2011 as “Virgin Islands Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.”

In her remarks at Wednesday’s event, the first lady joined the chorus of praise and appreciation for child care providers, and lauded them as “unsung heroes.” She also noted the demonstrated qualifications in managing an early education and care facility. “The governor and I truly appreciate what you do, every day, in support of children and families. We are delighted to honor you today and your commitment to our children’s future.”

The Appreciation Ceremony also recognized five of the St. Thomas/St. John District’s longest operating child care centers, including: Winnie’s Day Care; Little People’s Learning Center; Powell’s Group Homes; Developmental Learning Center; and Gifft Hill School.

Human Services Assistant Commissioner Michal Rhymer-Charles noted the department’s “appreciation of the work that you do for children” and Special Assistant to the Governor Angeli Ferdschneider discussed the critical work of the Early Childhood Advisory Committee (ECAC), a committee of the Governor’s Children and Families Council, in “nurturing safe families and communities.”

In June 2008, Governor de Jongh signed an executive order creating the Children and Families Council and tasked its appointed government and civic leaders to explore new ways of improving the delivery of services to families, bettering the health of the territory's children, and preparing them to succeed in school and in life. the first lady is chairperson of the council. 

A companion event will be held on St. Croix on Friday, October 7, 2011 at the UVI Great Hall at 9:00 AM.