The V.I. Department of Human Services (DHS) will hold its Annual Transition Conference on St. Thomas on Wednesday, March 29, at Sugar Estate Multipurpose Complex on 1st Avenue; it will hold it on Thursday, March 30, on St. John at the Cruz Bay location. This seminar will be held in three languages: Spanish from 8-10 a.m., Creole and English from 10 a.m. to noon. The community is encouraged to participate in this event, especially those who have a child entering kindergarten this up-coming school year from Head Start, daycare centers, pre-kindergarten and home schools.
“This Annual Transition Conference is very helpful for the parents and guardians with young children ready to enter the kindergarten,” Commissioner Designee Felecia L. Blyden said. “You will learn about child educational development, parental advocacy skills, and available services and programs for your child. These are very important subjects that parents and guardians need to know for which DHS will provide the information and assistance.”
Directors from the different programs, counselors from the Department of Education, specialists and child care will be on site to help parents and guardians. This is the 10th year such an event will be held for the community, but it is only the second year that DHS Head Start has collaborated with DHS Office of Childcare and Regulatory Services, and the Department of Education.
Blyden said, “It is going to be conducted in the parents’ or guardians’ primary language, [so they will be] able to pre-register with the Department of Education’s free Kinder Camp, [have] access to receive flu and pneumonia vaccines, and much more. So, I invite you to come and participate in this conference.”
To secure seating and information, call DeShawn Williams at 774-2449 or 774-2445, ext. 237.