About Our Staff

Our Staff

The programming offered at ABCD Head Start is only as good as the staff members who administer it to the children we serve. Our staff is made up of nearly 600 individuals with expertise in the field of early childhood development and education, who are devoted to helping children gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in school and life.

Our staff members are drawn directly from the communities we serve. One third of Head Start staff members were first introduced to the program as parents of Head Start children. And so, it is natural that our diverse staff members represent the varied cultures and heritages of our students and ensure that our curriculum and classrooms are culturally sensitive.

Staff members are also supported to continually strive for additional professional development and career growth by taking classes and gaining further hands-on experience.

A Team Approach to Education and Care

At ABCD Head Start and Early Head Start, children receive education, support and care from a whole team of early education experts and other skilled staff members. These include:

ABCD Central Staff
The staff at the Central office of Head Start and Children's Services oversees the delivery of services to 24 local programs at 32 separate sites. It provides fiscal management, evaluates the delivery of services and arranges for joint program development with other local organizations.  The Citywide Policy Council is run out of the Central office.

Local Administrators
The Program Director carries out the administration of the local Head Start and Early Head Start center. The Director has overall responsibility for implementing the program policies, as well as parent governance, educational planning, staff hiring, and supervision.

Specialists
Each program has specialists in the area of education, disabilities, health, nutrition, social services, and mental health. The specialists work with the local program to ensure that children and families receive individualized services that assist them in their growth and development.

Teaching Staff
The education component has the following positions: Lead Teacher, Teacher, and Teacher Assistant. All teaching staff meets the education and experience requirements of the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Head Start Lead Teachers and Teachers have a Bachelor or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education or they are credentialed by the Council for Professional Recognition (CDA). They are also certified in First Aid and CPR.

Social Service Staff
The Social Service staff partners with parents and families to ensure continued support within the program and community. From recruitment to transition to their next educational experience, the Social Service staff supports parents in establishing and meeting goals for themselves and their children.

Program Support Staff
Program Support Staff may include food service staff, receptionists, secretaries, data entry clerks, parent assistants, administrative assistants, bus drivers, bus monitors, integrating aides, and janitorial/custodial staff. They provide support to the daily operation of the program.

All staff must have a criminal background check (CORI), a Department of Social Service background check and a physical examination reporting that they are in good health and free of communicable disease prior to beginning work with Head Start/Early Head Start with updates as required by regulations.