DC Head Start Association

The DC Head Start Association (DCHSA) began in the late 1990s.  DCHSA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and is composed of a Board of Directors and members who represent Head Start and Early Head Start programs in DC.  In addition, DCHSA is a member of the National Head Start Association and Region III Head Start Association.

Mission

To provide unified leadership and support for all Early Head Start and Head Start programs within the District of Columbia.

Vision

We are the voice of diverse Head Start programs (birth to five) that serves as a vehicle to educate and empower families, early learning professionals, business leaders, philanthropies, and elected officials to advocate for high-quality, continuous, and comprehensive early childhood development supports and services to ensure that all children are ready to succeed in school and in life.

Current Board of Directors

Patricia Dela Torre, President, Educare of Washington, DC

Cornett Roberts-Njoku, Vice President, Rosemount Center

Sherree Lee-Thomas, Treasurer, Martha’s Table

Talia Newman, Secretary, Educare of Washington, DC

Pyper Davis, Board Member, Educare of Washington, DC

Hillary Garner, Board Member, Bright Beginnings Inc.

Marco Castro, Board Member, United Planning Organization

Almeta Keys, Edward C. Mazique Parent Child Center

P. Jimenez, Board Member, National Children’s Center, Inc.

Shaquita Tillman, Board Member, Bright Beginnings, Inc.

Roukiatou Kirakoya, Board Member, Educare of Washington, DC

Chidiomini Nneka Chime, Board Member, United Planning Organization

Adam Barragan-Smith, Board Member, Educare of Washington, DC

Jessica Smith, Board Member, District of Columbia Public Schools

Enrique Viejon, Jr., Board Member, Educare of Washington, DC

Girum Gebretsadik, Board Member, Edward C Mazique Parent Child Center

Janille Thompson, Board Member, Martha’s Table

Caryn Swierzbin, Board Member, Rosemount Center

Lora Kluber, Board Member, Martha’s Table

Nino Meladze-Zullo, Board Member, United Planning Organization

Rosalina Burgos, Board Member, Centronia

Sarah Nasson, Board Member, Edward C Mazique Parent Child Center

Jane Nwoke, Board Member, United Planning Organization

Syrita Robinson, Board Member, United Planning Organization

Ghislaine Toussaint-Green, Board Member, District of Columbia

Association Management

DCHSA's operational, programmatic, and partnership activities is led by our Managing Director, Thomasina Millner.  If you have questions or would like more information, Thomasina can be reached by email at managingdirector@dcheadstart.org.

Key Goals

1. Improve awareness of Head Start benefits through education and advocacy.

2. Share impacts of Head Start programs.

3. Advise policy makers.

4. Offer training and technical assistance to Head Start program staff and parents.

5. Represent Head Start programs in DC on the local, regional, and national levels.

6. Gather and share information on Head Start program strengths and challenges.