Community Foundation of Eastern CT Awards Grant to TVCCA’s Early Childhood Programs

Thames Valley Council for Community Action’s Head Start and Little Learners programs received $7,500 from The Community Foundation of Eastern CT’s Norwich Youth Fund for its Taftville center. The grant will allow the programs to purchase an “Illumination Station,” which uses augmented reality technology to support children’s progress in language, literacy, math, and the arts, as well as science and technology. “This equipment transforms an ordinary classroom into a hands-on, multimodal learning experience that engages all students, no matter their distinct learning styles,” notes Little Learners Program Director Debbi Poirier. “The projector transfers realistic colors and images onto the sand, creating virtually/practically unlimited interactive environments that are a portal to imaginative learning.” Jenna Eldredge, Head Start Program Director, praised the equipment’s ability to enhance the programs’ curriculum, adding “We are so grateful to the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for their support, which will help inspire curiosity, hands-on learning, and strong outcomes for our students." To learn more about TVCCA’s Early Childhood Education programs, visit tvcca.org.