NHSA’s Program of Excellence Accreditation recognizes and supports the outstanding performance of Head Start grant recipients across the country. This designation is earned by programs that consistently demonstrate excellence in program management and service performance and continually support the achievement of robust outcomes for children birth to five years old, pregnant people, families, and the communities where they live.

This informational webinar will allow potential Program of Excellence (PoE) candidates an opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions, and hear from past awardees to make sure their program is ready for the commitment of completing the application process.

Applications for the 2023 Program of Excellence Accreditation will open in December 2022 and the cohort will begin in February 2023. Join the waitlist here.

Moderator:

Kristina Ellis is The Academy at NHSA Manager. Her background includes nonprofit management, early childhood development, support services, quality improvement, and strategic partnerships. She holds a BA from the University of Central Oklahoma and an MPA from the University of Oklahoma. As a Head Start alum, Kristina’s interest in early childhood stems from a rich background in social services work and her commitment to early childhood education and family engagement.  Before NHSA, Kristina worked for CAP Tulsa, one of the largest anti-poverty nonprofits in Oklahoma and a nationally recognized provider of research-based, high-quality early childhood education for low-income children.

Panelists:

Toni Noma Andrews, Child Development Director with Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency for over 15 years, serving as the administrator of two grants in central New York: Oneida and Herkimer Counties operating Head Start and Early Head Start which offers both center base and home base for 753 children and their families and the Head Start program for Madison County, serving 119 children and their families.

LaVonne Maplhus-Nelson, MS, is the Manager of Family, and Community Engagement, and Program Governance and Administration for the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners Head Start/Early Head Start program. With over 20 years of experience in Public Sector Administration and Head Start Management Systems, LaVonne’s background includes Human Services Administration, Case Management, Compliance Management, Quality Assurance Systems, and Strategic Planning. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a Master’s Degree in Organization Management and Leadership. She is driven by her passion for children, families, and community and is encouraged by inclusive cultures and environments which ensure progress for all. Her focus is on providing high-quality services for all children and their families.