Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Selects Thames Valley Council for Community Action to Lead Child Development Center

New management partnership will strengthen early childhood education for Tribal children and families

Mashantucket, Conn. — The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has selected Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA) to oversee operations of the Tribe’s Child Development Center through a new management partnership that will strengthen early childhood education for Tribal children and families.

“The well-being and future of our children remain one of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s highest priorities,” said Rodney Butler, Chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. “We were intentional in selecting a partner with a proven track record of excellence in early childhood education and a collaborative approach that aligns with our values. We are confident this partnership with TVCCA will strengthen our Child Development Center while continuing to provide the nurturing, high-quality learning environment our children and families deserve.”

Following a thoughtful evaluation process, the Tribe selected TVCCA because of its more than 60 years of experience providing early childhood education throughout eastern Connecticut and its longstanding commitment to serving diverse communities. 

Through TVCCA Education Solutions (TES), the organization’s wholly owned education management affiliate, TVCCA will provide operational oversight, staff leadership, curriculum development and program support. TVCCA’s experienced early childhood education leadership team will work closely with Tribal leadership and Child Development Center staff to ensure a seamless transition while building on the Center’s existing strengths.

“Providing our children with a strong foundation during their earliest years is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of our Nation,” said Matthew Pearson, Tribal Council Secretary and Chairperson of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation’s Education Committee. “This partnership reflects our commitment to ensuring Tribal families continue to have access to exceptional early childhood education, where children can learn, grow and thrive. We look forward to working with TVCCA as it builds on the strong foundation already in place at our Child Development Center.”

“We are deeply honored by the trust the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation has placed in TVCCA,” said Josh Kelly, CEO of TVCCA. “Throughout this process, Tribal leadership has been an exceptional partner, and their commitment to their children, families and community has been evident in every conversation. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the Tribe’s vision for its Child Development Center and look forward to working alongside Tribal leadership to ensure every child receives a nurturing, engaging early learning experience.”

Through this new management partnership, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and TVCCA will work together to ensure the Child Development Center continues to provide exceptional care and early learning opportunities for future generations.

Founded in 1965, TVCCA serves thousands of individuals and families throughout eastern Connecticut each year through early childhood education, housing, energy assistance, employment services, senior nutrition, and family support programs.

TVCCA will be recruiting for positions at the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation Child Development Center. Interested candidates can learn more and apply at tvcca.org/careers.

About the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is a federally recognized Indian tribe located in southeastern Connecticut. As pioneers of the Indian casino gaming industry, the history of the Mashantucket Pequots reveals one of American’s greatest come-back stories which is featured at the world-renowned Mashantucket Pequot Museum and Research Center. Today, the Tribe owns and operates one of the largest gaming resorts in North America, Foxwoods Resort Casino, along with a variety of complementary business enterprises, including Connecticut’s premiere luxury golf experience, Lake of the Isles and the decadent Spa at Norwich Inn. The Tribe’s health and wellness company, Pequot Health Care, is an industry leader in tribal and commercial health plan management and pharmaceutical services. As one of the highest revenue contributors and largest employers in Connecticut, the Mashantucket Pequots have hosted millions of visitors and provided billions in slot revenue payments to the State. The Tribe has also contributed millions in donations and sponsorships to support worthy charities, community events and programs, and other tribes in need, locally and throughout the United States. Dedicated to our future generations inheriting clean beautiful land, a safe community and a strong economy, we remain committed to promoting spirituality, strong family values, education, social stability, economic independence, and the wellbeing of our Tribal Members, employees and guests in a healthy and supportive environment. Our ultimate goal is to protect and advance our sovereign rights in order to build and preserve a cultural, social and economic foundation that can never be undermined or destroyed.
To learn more about the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, please visit us at www.mptn-nsn.gov.