Since its founding in 1978, the West Haven Child Development Center has been committed to providing nationally recognized comprehensive services that support the optimum growth and development of children and families in their community. Currently serving 160 children, aged 6 months to 5 years, the West Haven Child Development Center is designed to support the whole family by providing the child with a warm, secure and educationally stimulating environment. “We are dedicated to fostering an atmosphere of respect, empathy and understanding, where children can learn and grow while embracing their own identities and developing an appreciation for the diverse world around them,” shared Executive Director Dr. Patrice Farquharson.
Since 1982, Dr. Farquharson and her team have been immersed in creating an inclusive and welcoming environment that celebrates the rich diversity of the community. Dr. Farquharson has continued to shine her valued expertise, energy and commitment to early childhood education, the overall development of this center and the West Haven community for 41 years.
Social Impact Partners will partner with the leadership team to collaboratively create professional development plans to assess the gaps between current and desired responsibilities, develop a workforce strategy to attract and retain high-quality individuals and identify strategies to diversify fundraising activities. Sharing that this center is a “true pillar for the community”, Volunteer Partner Janice Semper recounted her first time visiting the center, noting, “You could see the care and passion on [the staff members] faces.” Given Social Impact Partners’ knowledge and experience in the early childhood space and work on the Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care report, Semper believes we will be able to provide crucial advisory and consulting work due to our understanding of the sector and the relevant professional backgrounds and skills of our valued Volunteer Partners.
“Education is a tool of empowerment” shared Semper, emphasizing her excitement to work, along with Volunteer Partner Tim Roof, with an organization grounded in its mission and dedicated to see greater impact within the West Haven community and across Connecticut. As we get ready to launch this project, we are looking for partners with relevant experience who would be interested in getting involved and supporting the goals of this organization.