About us

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

about_3 Ouida Foster Toutebon, Executive Director
Y. Tina Chan, Fiscal Director
Frances Rivera, Program Operations Director
Jennifer Gannon, Education Director
Zenya Alvarez-Cleveland, Family & Community Engagement Director
Margaret Diaz Acosta, Health Director
Kira Davenport, Director, Nyack Head Start
Miriam Kahan, Director, Spring Valley Head Start
Tanya Soto, Director, Haverstraw Head Start