About Us
Head Start of Rockland is a leading provider of comprehensive and nationally accredited preschool and early childhood education and preschool special education services for low- income children and their families in Rockland County
Mission
Head Start of Rockland’s mission is to provide high quality early childhood education, health, nutrition and family services to low income children and families in Rockland County, while being responsive and sensitive to a variety of cultures, traditions and practices. We help children and their families reach their optimal potential.
History
It began in 1964 with Joan Bodger reading books to children in Nyack, attracting them with Tootsie Roll candy. Since then, Head Start of Rockland, Inc. has become the recognized leader in development and provision of preschool and early childhood education in Rockland County. Head Start has grown from one small school or program in Nyack to three direct run schools in Haverstraw, Nyack, and Spring Valley and several contract and delegate programs throughout the county. The agency is the grantee for federal funds earmarked for Head Start and Early Head Start in Rockland County.
Management Leadership
Ouida Foster Toutebon, Executive Director
Frances Rivera, Program Operations Director
Gerard Geisinger, Fiscal Manager
Tina Ciccone, Accounting Manager
Jennifer Gannon, Education Director
Erksine Grisby, Family & Community Engagement Director
Mary Duran, Health/Nutrition Director
Kira Davenport, Director, Nyack Head Start
Miriam Kahan, Director, Spring Valley Head Start
Tanya Soto, Director, Haverstraw Head Start
Board of Directors Officers and Members
Tara Gales, President
C. Nicole Gladden Matthews, Esq., Vice President
Terri Evans, Treasurer
Marva Hawkins, Secretary
Maria Aybar
Tonette Earl
Shante George
Susan Jean-Louis
Natalie Joseph
Avis Shelby
Y. Andre Vital, Esq.