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Legislators Stilley, Davidson & Earl Recognize Longtime Head Start Executive Director  

Ouida Foster Toutebon Honored For Contributions To Children, Community & County

The Rockland County Legislature honored longtime child educator and administrator Ouida Foster Toutebon, who has served as Executive Director of Head Start of Rockland for nearly two decades.

Rockland County Legislators Dana G. Stilley, Beth J. Davidson and Toney L. Earl presented Ms. Toutebon with the Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature’s highest honor, as they highlighted the many contributions she has made to children, the community and the county.

"I have known Ouida Toutebon to be an outstanding community leader in various capacities for many years,” Legislator Stilley said. “Most notable is her exceptional career as the Executive Director of Head Start. Her vision and leadership have resulted in expanded health, nutrition and early childhood education services that have prepared thousands of children across our county for success in elementary school and beyond. "

Born and raised in White Plains, Ms. Toutebon earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development from North Carolina A&T State University, a Master of Science Degree in Education from Long Island University, and her Supervision and Administration certification from SUNY New Paltz. She is also a UCLA Johnson and Johnson Fellow and a graduate of Leadership Rockland.

Ms. Toutebon began her professional career as a teacher with Head Start programs in Yonkers and White Plains. She later became a caseworker with the Westchester County Department of Social Services. But in 1989, she was back with Head Start, this time joining the Head Start of Rockland family, where she was appointed Executive Director 17 years ago.

Head Start provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families. Ms. Toutebon is responsible for the leadership, guidance, oversight, and vision of the Head Start Program, which currently serves 1,400 low-income children in Rockland County annually.

Head Start is a program that makes a significant difference because it promotes the school readiness of children from birth to age 5 by enhancing their cognitive, social, and emotional development. Without Head Start, too many children would simply not be ready for school - falling behind before they’ve even started.

“Ouida Toutebon is an exceptional advocate for Rockland County's children and families,” Legislator Davidson said. “Having overseen early childhood education for the more than 1,400 Rockland children served by Head Start each year, Ouida leaves an indelible imprint on our county and community. While Ouida will be missed at Head Start, I know that many Rockland organizations will continue to benefit from her servant leadership."

Ms. Toutebon is proudly a woman of faith and a long-time member of Union Baptist Church in White Plains where she supports the ministries of the church and is the president of the Floral Ministry.

Ms. Toutebon’s history of volunteerism includes her service as past president of the New York State Head Start Association; past president of the Palisades Association for the Education of Young Children; and past president of both Meals on Wheels of Rockland and Habitat for Humanity of Rockland. She currently serves on the board of the Institute for Non-profits, and as the third vice president of the board of the Spring Valley NAACP.

Ms. Toutebon is also Immediate Past President of the Rockland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is the secretary of the board of the Rockland Negro Scholarship Fund Inc. and is also a member of the 21C Board of Directors.

Members of the sorority and the Head Start program were among those attending the ceremony.

“If you’re wondering how she finds the time, you know the old saying, if you want something to get done, just ask a busy person to do it,” Legislator Earl said. “Ouida Foster Toutebon has been getting the job done for decades. Countless children and families throughout Rockland County and elsewhere are the beneficiaries of her selfless dedication to getting whatever job she takes on done - and done well.”

Of all her many undertakings, Ouida said, her most important have always been her “three loves,” as she calls them – her children - Omar, Kofi, and Jessica. While Ms. Toutebon is retiring from Head Start, she plans to remain active in community efforts.

(Second from left) Longtime child educator and administrator Ouida Foster Toutebon, who has served as Executive Director of Head Start of Rockland for nearly two decades, was recognized for the many contributions she has made to children, the community and the county during a ceremony led by Rockland County Legislators Toney L. Earl, Dana G. Stilley and Beth Davidson. Ms. Toutebon was presented with the Distinguished Service Award, the Legislature's highest honor.

Rockland County Legislature Vice Chair Aney Paul (second from left) and Rockland County Human Rights Commissioner Spencer Chiimbwe  also attended the event.

Members of the Rockland Head Start family joined Ouida Foster Toutebon for the ceremony.

Members of the Rockland County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. were also in attendance. Ms. Toutebon is a longtime member of the sorority and the chapter's Immediate Past President. 

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