Message from Our Director

Dear Families,

As a native New Yorker, I have experienced firsthand how education can vastly change the trajectory of a child’s life. During the 80s, I attended community-based child care programs, where I was able to engage in meaningful learning opportunities that set the stage for my own educational journey. My experience was enhanced through wonderful teachers and a strong school community, who also assisted my mother—who was an immigrant—in obtaining an education for herself that focused not only on academics but also on social-emotional learning. It was through these early experiences that I learned the value of a high-quality education, and I was inspired to become an educator.

After many years as a teacher, social worker, and administrator, I transitioned into the role of director of Bank Street Head Start, an outstanding preschool program dedicated to supporting the learning and development of young children by encouraging them to connect with their social and physical environment. We are proud to be a part of the larger Bank Street College of Education, which for over a century has been at the forefront of understanding how children learn and grow. It is an institution known for educating young children in a way that matters.

At Bank Street Head Start, our curriculum encourages children to build friendships, establish trusting relationships with their teachers, and develop the early social-emotional and developmental skills that are foundational for future learning. We strive to create a welcoming environment to ensure that both children and adults are comfortable—and can thus take risks, explore, learn, and grow. Our teachers, administrators, community partners, and families are fully engaged in this mission, and our children transition into kindergarten with the excitement and tools to thrive as young learners.

We invite you to join us on a Walkthrough Wednesday to tour our facilities, meet our exceptional staff, and see for yourself just how wonderful, engaging, and unique our program is at Bank Street Head Start.

Warmly,
Alberta Conteh
Director, Bank Street Head Start