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Mission
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The North Carolina Head Start Association (NCHSA) is a non-profit organization which serves as a formal body to address concerns and issues that impact the quality of Head Start.
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Governing Structure
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| 2009-2011 Officers |
2009-2011 Cluster Chairpersons |
| President — Patricia Colón |
Cluster A: Sandra Noble |
| 1st Vice President— Mike Richardson |
Cluster B: Tonie Brite |
| 2nd Vice President — Marcallus Sunday |
Cluster C: Martie Williams |
| Recording Secretary — Betty DePina |
Cluster E: Mary Campbell |
| Treasurer — Shirley Whitley |
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| Parliamentarian —Shannon Smiles |
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| State Staff Representative — Vanessa McDowell |
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| State Parent — Rochelle Stuart |
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Immediate Past President — Lacy Bell, Jr. |
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| Board Membership |
Current NCHSA Committees |
| Officers |
Budget/Finance; Conference; |
| 1 Current Parent per Cluster (4) |
Membership; Nominations; |
| 1 Cluster Chairperson per Cluster (4) |
Awards & Scholarships; |
| 1 Additional Representative per Cluster (4) |
History; Technology |
| Committee Chairpersons |
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| NC Head Start-State Collaboration Director |
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History
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President Lyndon B. Johnson initiated Project Head Start on May 18, 1965 as the "War on Poverty" Headquarters in Washington, DC., Head Start is a federally funded, comprehensive preschool program designed to meet emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of 3 and 4 year olds and their families. Head Start helps develop social competencies in children and promotes self-sufficiency through a comprehensive family-focused approach. Of the 16 million children served, 12.8% of the enrollment consisted of children with disabilities. The Early Head Start Project began in 1995 to serve families with children, from birth to age three, and pregnant mothers. The NCHSA was organized in early 1970 and was incorporated in 1987. This membership organization of parents, staff, directors, and friends represents 16,002 children and their families and 2,734 employed staff in 53 Head Start programs across the state. Membership in the NCHSA has grown from 200 in 1970 to over 9,000 in 1997.
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Join NCHSA
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NCHSA acts on behalf of Head Start programs across the state, acting as a catalyst for change in support of children, families and programs. NCHSA is the ONLY state organization dedicated exclusively to the concerns of the Head Start community. Download and submit your membership application today!
WHY SHOULD I JOIN NCHSA?
- Protect your interests and the interests of our neediest children and families. NCHSA advocates on the state and federal levels in support of early childhood and social issues that directly affect Head Start children, families and programs. Representatives of NCHSA participate on state level advisory boards, visit offices of elected officials to educate our lawmakers and represent NC at Regional and National Head Start Association meetings.
- Network at NCHSA events. NCHSA organizes events throughout the year, such as the Annual Training Conference, Governing Board Meetings, Director’s Caucus meetings, Cluster meetings and special training events, that enable directors, staff, parents and community partners to interact and learn. In addition, members enjoy the opportunity to network at collaborative events held in partnership with the NC Community Action Association, Child Care Services Association, Region IV Head Start Association, National Head Start Association, NC Office of School Readiness, NC Division of Child Development, NC Partnership for Children, NC Department of Health and Human Services, and other social service and early childhood organizations.
- Increase program recognition. NCHSA maintains program contact information for every Head Start program in North Carolina. We are building our capacity to serve as a one-stop resource both for NC Head Start programs and for parents, community partners, collaborative partners, elected officials and anyone with an interest in Head Start.
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How Can I Help?
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- Join NCHSA
- Develop community partnerships
- Be active in your Cluster Attend NCHSA Governing Board meetings
- Attend the NCHSA Annual Conference
- Talk to your elected officials about Head Start
- Visit www.SaveHeadStart.org
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RIVHSA
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NCHSA is a proud member of the Region IV Head Start Association (RIVHSA). NCHSA sends eight representatives to serve on the RIVHSA Board of Directors: Two (2) directors, two (2) staff, two (2) parents and two (2) friends.
The Region IV Board officially meets the first Friday of the following months:
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March
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June
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October
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December
Meetings usually begin on Thursday afternoon, so that board members can travel on Thursday morning and Friday evening. To download information about the Region IV Head Start Association, click HERE.
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