About Us

OHSAI Mission Statement

The Ohio Head Start Association is a professional membership organization whose work is dedicated to Leadership, Professional Development, Research and Advocacy. We are committed to high quality services for the most vulnerable children and families and foster positive change in our early childhood endeavors at the local, state and national levels.

OHSAI Vision

The Ohio Head Start Association will continue to be a formidable leader in the world of Head Start. Through our passionate, unified voice, we foster and champion dynamic partnerships that forge positive outcomes and better lives for children, families and communities.

OHSAI Values

1. DEVELOPING LEADERSHIP    We recognize that strong and effective leadership requires an environment of openness, acceptance, creativity, trust and continual personal growth at all organizational levels
2. QUALITY AND INNOVATION   Our work is guided by high standards, a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to documented results.  We foster excellence by supporting innovative approaches and solutions
3. FOSTERING COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS  We champion an Environment of honesty, integrity, respect, teamwork and trust among all those who touch the lives of children and families. We are a strong and diligent advocate on behalf of our members and partners.

Response to COVID-19 for the 2020-2021 Program Year

OHSAI STAFF

Barbara Haxton, Executive Director (haxton@ohsai.org)
Amanda Yancey, Operations Director; Director of the Parent Ambassador Program (yancey@ohsai.org)
Julie H. Stone, Associate Executive Director (stone@ohsai.org)

OHSAI BOARD OFFICERS

Barb Davis, President
CAC of Pike County
(740) 289-2371

Day Chesney, Vice President
Miami Valley Child Development Centers
(937) 226-5664

Suzanne Prescott, Treasurer
Butler County ESC
(513) 785-6853

Kristin Kerr, Financial Secretary
Community Action Wayne/Medina
(330) 264-8677

Amy Esser, Secretary
Mercer County Head Start
(419) 268-0301

Dr. Thea Wilson, Assistant Secretary
CEOGC Head Start
(216) 696-9077

Peg Tazewell, Immediate Past President
Knox County Head Start
(740) 393-6972
 

The Ohio Head Start Association is is accredited by the  International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU.

CEUs are offered for OHSAI professional development content that meets eligibility requirements for IACET CEUs according to the ANSI/IACET 1-2007 Standard. To receive CEUs, attendees are required to be engaged in the entire class and demonstrate mastery of the learning objectives by successfully completing a knowledge assessment.

Many organizations offer some form of continuing education credit, but only the IACET CEU is held to the strict, research-based IACET Criteria and Guidelines for Continuing Education and Training. Only IACET Authorized Providers, who undergo a strict application and site-review process, can award the IACET CEU. IACET Authorized Providers are required to re-apply and be reauthorized every five (5) years.

The Continuing Education Unit (CEU) was created by IACET as a measurement of continuing education. One (1) IACET CEU is equal to ten (10) contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. Under IACET’s care, the IACET CEU has evolved from a quantitative measure to a hallmark of quality training and instruction.

To receive CEUs, participants in approved sessions must complete and submit an Application for CEUs. The Ohio Head Start Association maintains a record of all CEUs awarded and can provide information to awardees upon request. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT OHSAI PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES AND CEU REQUIREMENTS