WHO WE ARE
Educating Young Children For Over 50 Years
West Harlem Community Organization. Inc., (WHCO), a not-for profit program, has sponsored West Harlem Head Start (WHHS) since 1966 and a Family Child Care Network since 2012. Our mission is to provide high quality, comprehensive and inclusive children and family services that meet the changing needs of the community. To this end, the children and their families participate in a program that incorporates Early Childhood Development and Health Services which focuses on each child's educational, developmental and health needs. Family and Community Engagement offers the parent opportunity and support for growth, so that they can identify their own strengths, needs and interests, finding their own solutions; and Program Governance which affords parents and community representatives the opportunity to participate with the Board of Directors and management staff in shared decision-making concerning program design and implementation. West Harlem currently operates a center based preschool program serving 149 children and a Family Child Care Network providing care to 251 children in Department of Health licensed provider homes.
OUR MISSION
West Harlem Community Organization, Inc. is a nonprofit community-based organization that has been educating young children for over 50 years in Harlem and Washington Heights. Through the Head Start Program & Family Child Care Network, we provide safe, nurturing, creative and high-quality educational environments for children from birth to five years old while empowering their families to be advocates in the community.
GOVERNANCE
Your trusted Child Care Agency
Our diverse Board of Directors has the responsibility of ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations in accordance with the Head Start Act and Performance Standards which govern the program.
The WHCO Board of Directors represent community members with experience in fiscal management, legal and early childhood education. Other members reflect the communities served by West Harlem Head Start. The Board of Directors and key management staff work in partnership with the Policy Council to develop, review and approve policies, strategic planning, funding , recruitment, selection, and enrollment policies.
OUR STORY
Educating Young Children For Over 50 Years
West Harlem Community Organization. Inc.,(WHCO), a not-for profit program, has sponsored West Harlem Head Start Program (WHHS) since 1966 and a Family Child Care Network since 2012. The mission of the West Harlem Head Start program is to provide high quality, comprehensive and inclusive children and family services that meet the changing needs of the community. To this end, the children and their families participate in a program that incorporates Early Childhood Development and Health Services which focuses on each child's educational, developmental and health needs. Family and Community Engagement offers the parent opportunity and support for growth, so that they can identify their own strengths, needs and interests, finding their own solutions; and Program Governance which provides parents and community representatives the opportunity to participate with the Board of Directors and management staff in shared decision-making concerning program design and implementation. West Harlem currently operates a center based preschool program serving 149 children and a Family Child Care Network providing care to 251 children in Department of Health licensed provider homes.