About Us

The North Carolina Head Start Association (NCHSA) is a statewide nonprofit membership organization dedicated exclusively to supporting Head Start and Early Head Start programs across North Carolina. Here’s a breakdown of what they do:

Representation & Advocacy

• NCHSA represents 59 federally funded Head Start grantees, including Tribal (Cherokee), Migrant, community action, nonprofit, government, and educational programs Head Start NC+11Head Start NC+11Head Start NC+11.
• We serve as advocates at both state and federal levels—sitting on advisory boards, meeting with legislators, and representing NC at regional and national Head Start forums Head Start NC.

Professional Development & Networking

• The association organizes multiple annual events like:
  • The Annual Training Conference, hosting over 500 attendees and featuring 60+ sessions Head Start NC+11Head Start NC+11Head Start NC+11.
  • New Directors Orientation, Director’s Caucus, and special cluster trainings.
  • Summer Leaders Summit and a Male Engagement Conference designed to bolster leadership and fatherhood engagement Head Start NC+6Head Start NC+6Head Start NC+6Head Start NC+8Head Start NC+8Head Start NC+8.
• Our events offer continuing education credits (CEUs) and childcare contact hours Head Start NC.

Communication & Technical Support

• NCHSA functions as a central resource hub—for NC programs, parents, community partners, and policymakers—offering outreach materials, newsletters, and helpful links Head Start NC+13Head Start NC+13Head Start NC+13.
• We assist member programs through research support, referrals, and issue resolution Head Start NC.

State Collaboration & Partnerships

• In partnership with the NC Head Start‑State Collaboration Office, NCHSA promotes cohesive early childhood services across multiple state and local agencies Head Start NC+8Head Start NC+8NC DPI+8.
• We actively collaborate with entities such as NC DPI, DHHS, Office of School Readiness, Community Action, and others Head Start NC+15Head Start NC+15NC DPI+15.

Mission & Impact

• Our mission is “to coalesce, inspire, and support the Head Start field as a leader in early childhood development and education” Head Start NC+6NC Coalition to End Homelessness+6NHSA+6.
• We aim to ensure high-quality services for children from birth to age five, including wraparound supports like health, nutrition, mental health, and family involvement .

 Practical Services

• NCHSA hosts an Agency Locator so families and job-seekers can easily find local Head Start programs and employment opportunities Head Start NC+8Head Start NC+8Head Start NC+8.
• We also offer job search assistance via Head Start’s national job center Head Start NC.

Why It Matters

NCHSA serves as the unified voice and backbone for early childhood programs in the state, ensuring that NC kids from low-income families access enriching education, health services, and family support. They also foster professional growth for parents and program leaders, advocating for sustainable funding and policy alignment.