Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. (SCHS) is an IRS 501 (c) (3) non-for-profit organization founded in 1989 and based in Sullivan County. We receive federal funds to run Head Start and Early Head Start programs in Sullivan County. Eighty percent of our budget comes from the Federal government, twenty percent from the County of Sullivan and from the community which is called a "local match" or "in-kind" contributions, which may be in the form of monetary contributions, donations of goods or services and volunteer hours.

Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. consists of two programs: Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS). HS is a comprehensive early childhood development program primarily serving low-income preschool-age children and their families. EHS is a comprehensive early childhood program serving primarily low-income children prenatal to age three, pregnant women and their families. Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. is funded to serve a total of 349 children and families at 3 centers between both programs. Children who attend our programs participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental screenings, have healthy meals and snacks and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.

SCHS mission is to provide a comprehensive interdisclipinary program that will foster development, support school readiness, encourage self-confidence and discipline, assist in the development of the child's social, emotional and physical wellbeing and act as a referral service for the children and families we serve.

SCHS employs 83 full-time and 11 part-time employees at 3 centers. Parents and community members volunteer in our organization by helping in the classroom, fund raising, and becoming members of board, parent and policy groups.


HISTORY

The first Head Start Center in Sullivan County was established in 1965 under the auspices of the Community Action Commission to Help the Economy, C.A.C.H.E. in conjuction with the County of Sullivan and the Federal Office of Economic Opportunity. Head Start originally started out as a six-week summer program, then in 1967 funds were made available to expand to a 10-month program. At that time the name became Sullivan County Full Year Head Start and we were serving 45 children (3 classrooms) and families, operating out of what is now the administrative building in Woodbourne. In 1969, all Head Start programs nationwide were transferred from the Office of Economic Opportunity to the Office of Child Development under the United States Department of Health, Education and Welfare. Presently, Head Start programs are governed by the Administration for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

In 1989 after many years of growth and expansion Head Start severed its ties with the C.A.C.H.E. agency and filed papers with the State for a certificate of incorporation as a Not-for-Profit. On July 17, 1989, the incorporation became official and our name became Sullivan County Head Start, Inc. As a not-for-profit corporation we are governed by a Board of Directors that has legal and fiscal responsibility for the agency. The Policy Council, consisting of parents and community members, helps to make programmatic decisions for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The agency has gone through numerous changes and expansions over the years, but only one constant is our Executive Director, Bertha G. Williams. Mrs. Williams has been with Head Start since the beginning and continues to guide the agency toward its goals with her great wisdom and belief that "if you can conceive it, you can acheive it."

OUR STAFF

Bertha Williams
bwilliams@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Administrative Executive Director

Nancy Bloom
NBloom@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Fiscal Officer

Brenda Santiago
BSantiago@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Personnel Manager

Merisa Kantor
MKantor@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Early Childhood Education & Special Services Manager

Shannon Masters
SMasters@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Education Coordinator

Deliciana Diaz
DDiaz@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Family Services Manager

Tammy Carlsen
TCarlsen@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Health & Nutrition Manager

Lauree Novogrodsky, RN
nurse@headstart-sullivancounty.org
School Nurse

Lucy Green
Info@headstart-sullivancounty.org
Administrative Assistant

Support & Teaching Staff:
Our staff is made up of professionals that support our mission and goals. Our teaching staff meet not only the guidelines of the Office of Head Start but also the NYS Office of Children and Family Services and are well qualified as outlined in the "No Child Left Behind" Act. Support staff include fiscal, nutrition, transportation, mental health, family services, cooks, nurses and maintenance. Together our staff have over 100+ years experience in providing a high quality child care program.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors is made up of a diverse group of volunteers that hold expertise in multiple areas such as social services, finance, law, public health, education and child care.

Charles Davis
Chairperson

Anne Knack
Secretary

Anthony Perito
Treasurer

Meta Sorge Vice Chairperson
Jean Van Lowe
Anne Knack
Terry Forman, Esq.
Gladys Walker
Bertha Donahue
Shirley Ann Felder
Mattie Anderson
Veronica Courtenay
Rev. Florence Palmer
Kroecia Goebel, Policy Council Chairperson

POLICY COUNCIL

The Policy Council is made up of a volunteer group of parents and other community members that meet to make decisions about the design and operation of both Head Start and Early Head Start programs.

VOLUNTEERS

Head Start bases much of its success on parents and other community volunteers. Opportunities to volunteer include but are not limited to: participating on the Board of Directors, the Policy Council, fund raising or volunteering in the classroom or just donating time and effort on other projects relating to Head Start/Early Head Start programs.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

We are always looking for talented, qualified,dedicated individuals who are looking to make a difference in the lives of children and families.  Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.  We need:  Pre-school teachers, teacher assistants, family assistants, infant/toddler teachers.  Contact the Administrative Office for more information.

Job Application

ANNUAL REPORT

View Annual Program Report

About Us

Administrative Offices
P.O. Box 215
Woodbourne, NY 12788
(845) 434-4164 (T)
(845) 434 -1935 (F)


Head Start/ Early Head
Start Programs:

Woodbourne Complex
393 State Route 52
Woodbourne, NY 12788
(845) 434-4164

Monticello Site
130 Waverly Avenue
Monticello, NY 12701
(845) 794-4622


Children Center Program:

Sullivan County Family Court
100 North Street
Monticello, NY 12701
(845) 791-3535

Locations