Bushwick United Head Start

Bushwick United Housing Development Fund Corporation was founded in the late 1970s by a group of community activists including Jose Gonzalez and Aida Caraballo the latter of which has remained as the Chairperson. Currently the Corporation is responsible for the administration of two programs a Head Start program funded by the federal government and overseen by the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) and a Universal Pre-kindergarten Program (UPK Universal Pre-Kindergarten) that is state-funded and managed by the NYC Board of Education.

The Head Start Program has been described by many as a “driving force” in the community for many years. There has always been a great need for educational programs for young children in the Bushwick community says Jose Gonzalez the Agency’s Administrative Director.

The Bushwick United Head Start Program has many components. The educational aspect provides children with instruction for the basic beginnings of their education. There are also programs for children with special needs such as physical disabilities mental health deficiencies and speech impediments. The Program offers on-site psychologists and physical therapists a complete and comprehensive nutritional component and an active social service department. This makes it easy for the parents in the community to access a variety of services for their children in one place. Recently we added the Universal Pre-kindergarten program to the list of services we offer. This program enhances the already solid foundation that we stand on and provides added benefits to the community.

With a staff of 84 people and five site locations our agency has a wide reach within the community. The work environment at Bushwick United is relaxed yet productive. We encourage initiative innovation and discussion about all aspects that can make our agency better. Our mission is “To continuously provide the best and most comprehensive services to children and families while maximizing the use of our scarce resources.” Our shared vision is “To become the best at what we do impacting the lives of children and families in a positive way so that we can provide effective leaders for tomorrow”. The true realization of our success is evident in the numbers of children that excel when they transition to the public school system already having a “Head Start”.

Child Ages:

2.5 years - 6 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Preschool:

Yes