Norma Johnson, Vice President of Children, Youth & Family Services for the Neighborhood House Association (NHA), has been selected by the California Head Start Association (CHSA) as their 2010 Administrator of the Year. In her role at NHA, Ms. Johnson is ultimately responsible for the daily care and development of the more than 8,000 children who attend NHA’s Head Start program. The NHA Head Start program is the largest direct service program in the state and the fifth largest in the nation.
In her four years with NHA, Johnson has accomplished several tasks and has been instrumental in enhancing the NHA Head Start program and child development services. Among her many accomplishments are:
§ Achieving a “no findings, no concerns” standing on the comprehensive tri-annual PRISM review from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families
§ Proper management of child care licensing requirements
§ Improved training and curriculum standards
§ Achieving 100 percent enrollment for NHA Head Start funded slots
§ Representing the NHA Head Start program through international and national outreach opportunities
“We are very proud of Ms. Johnson’s accomplishments, her dedication to quality and her devotion to making the NHA Head Start program a model program nationally and internationally,” said Rudolph A. Johnson, III, President and CEO of NHA. “Her effort and dedication has been consistent with the agency’s overall commitment to excellence.”
Ms. Johnson joined the Neighborhood House Association in 2006, bringing with her 23 years experience directing Head Start programs, as well as a national reputation for running a high-quality program where children excel. She has been instrumental in implementing an unparalleled comprehensive child development program at NHA.
Previously, Ms. Johnson served as the Deputy Director of Head Start Children and Family Services for the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency. Her experience also includes working as the chief of an independent monitoring unit, service as an AA/EEO officer and as an instructor at universities in California and Texas. She has had a Head Start center named in her honor and has previously received the Sacramento County Child Care Provider of the Year Award.