About Us
Head Start is federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Child and Family Services to provide services to low-income children and families with a focus on early learning, health, and family well-being. Programs partner with families, as the family is the first and best teacher of their children.
Pre-Kindergarten programs are funded through local school districts through the New York State Department of Education.
Program Management and Governance
Program Management
- Christina Becker – Human Resources Coordinator
- Amy Freer – Food Service Manager
- Jean Mammato – Planning and Quality Improvement Manager
- Stephanie Montanye – Education Coordinator
- Mary Perrotti – Early Head Start Education Manager
- Lisa Scott – Health and Family Services Manager
- Siri Young – Mental Health/Disabilities Services Manager
- Maribeth Batsford – President
- Greg Furlong – Vice President
- Laura Comstock – Treasurer
- Maggie Jackman-Pryor – Secretary
- Gen Overholt
- Patricia Whelihan
When Head Start began in 1965, its founders understood that parents are essential partners in educating young children. They felt parents should help decide how Head Start services can most benefit their family and other families in the community. Head Start created the Policy Council as a formal leadership and policy-making role for parents. Today, every Head Start and Early Head Start program must have a Policy Council as part of its leadership structure. Through the Policy Council, parents have a voice in decisions about how the program spends money, what children do in their classrooms, and how the program works with community partners. Children, parents, and the program benefit when parents take on leadership roles. Children learn more and experience healthier development at school and at home. Parents can become more confident, gain skills, and connect with other parents and staff. Program staff learn about the strengths, interests, and needs of the children, families, and community they serve.
-Office of Head Start
Our Policy Council Members are elected each year in September and October by the Parent Committee at their center. If you are interested in joining Policy Council, please let your Family Advocate or Family Educator know.