Leadership
DCHSA Board of Directors and members build and enhance leadership skills by sharing their experiences in Early Head Start and Head Start with local and national leaders and experts.
DCHSA board members can also serve on the Region III Head Start Association and National Head Start Association Board of Directors.
Current Leadership Opportunities
Are you looking to use your voice to raise awareness about the importance of early childhood programs in DC? There’s a place for you in DCHSA! We’re especially interested in partnering with parents, teachers, home visitors, family engagement, and health specialists in making a difference for young children.
Public Policy and Advocacy
DCHSA provides its Board of Directors and members opportunities to advocate on behalf of young children and families in DC.
- In 2018, DCHSA hosted the Early Learning Policy Breakfast to increase awareness about mental health and opioid misuse.
- DCHSA has supported Early Head Start and Head Start staff and parents with receiving public policy and advocacy training from the National Head Start Association and DC Association for the Education of Young Children (DCAEYC).
Be A Voice for Young Children and Families
Policy changes often come as a result of a decision maker hearing how someone was positively affected by a program. DCHSA has several opportunities to advocate for policies and programs that benefit young children and families at the local, regional, and national level.
Do you or someone you know have a story about how an Early Head Start or Head Start program made a difference in your life? We need to hear your story!
Professional Development
DCHSA provides several ways for members to receive professional development including serving on committees and attending local, regional and national conferences and trainings.
2017 DC Health Management Network members.
DC Health Management Network
Since 2017, Early Head Start and Head Start health related coordinators/managers have held meetings together to:
Identify challenges and brainstorm solutions
Build collaboration with health related resources/experts
Provide guidance to DCHSA and Early Head Start/Head Start leaders
Patricia Dela Torre and Jane Nwoke serve as Co-Chairs. For more information, please contact Christina L. Benjamin at cbenjamin@dcheadstart.org .
Parent and Family Engagement
DCHSA collaborates with community partners and organizations to offer programs and opportunities to engage parents/families of young children including:
Hosting and sponsoring Parent Cafes
Offering resources and information about child development at community events (e.g., 11th Street Bridge Park’s Taste of the Harvest and Family Fun Day at Frederick Douglas National Historic Site)
