About Us
In partnership with parents, and collaborating with stakeholders; RWCFS will support children’s readiness for school and life success, by developing independence and self-sufficiency, strengthening families and promoting social justice.
Mission
Staff, communities and families working together address inequities based on income through education and support services for young children.
Values
- We celebrate every individual’s strengths, as well as each family’s definition of itself.
- We believe in providing healthy, safe environments and encouraging life-long learning.
- We believe in shared leadership where opportunities are present for everyone to develop to their fullest potential.
- We believe every family is its child’s most influential teacher and most powerful prevention mechanism.
- We know we are stronger when we have meaningful partnerships within the community.
- We believe healthy relationships will result when we reflect compassion, dignity and mutual respect for diversity.
- We believe all activities should promote the wellness and growth of our communities.
- We embrace and encourage change to improve opportunities for our staff, children and families.
- We believe that our children and families deserve excellence in service provision.
Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP)
The primary goal of the CACFP is to improve the diet of children 12 years of age or younger.
Program Governance
Rock-Walworth Comprehensive Family Services, Inc., is operated through a process of shared governance by an active and involved Board of Directors and an invested Policy Council in partnership with dedicated managers and staff.
Federal Compliance
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call toll free (866) 632-9992 (Voice).
Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339; or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Head Start Programs
Head Start programs promote school readiness of children ages birth to five from low-income families by supporting the development of the whole child.
Head Start and Early Head Start programs offer a variety of service models, depending on the needs of the local community. Many Head Start and Early Head Start programs are based in centers and schools. Other programs are located in child care centers and family child care homes. Some programs offer home-based services that assign dedicated staff who conduct weekly visits to children in their own home and work with the parent.
Head Start programs support children’s growth and development in a positive learning environment through a variety of services, which include
- Early learning:
Children’s readiness for school and beyond is fostered through individualized learning experiences. Through relationships with adults, play, and planned and spontaneous instruction, children grow in many aspects of development. Children progress in social skills and emotional well-being, along with language and literacy learning, and concept development - Health:
Each child’s perceptual, motor, and physical development is supported to permit them to fully explore and function in their environment. All children receive health and development screenings, nutritious meals, oral health and mental health support. Programs connect families with medical, dental, and mental health services to ensure that children are receiving the services they need. - Family well-being:
Parents and families are supported in achieving their own goals, such as housing stability, continued education, and financial security. Programs support and strengthen parent-child relationships and engage families around children’s learning and development.
Staff & Board
Management Team
Executive Director
Carol Mishler – [email protected]
Fiscal Director
Vicky Mortimer – [email protected]
Program Design Manager
Melissa Reed – [email protected]
Child Development Manager
Eve Smith – [email protected]
Health & Nutrition Manager
Michelle Genthe – [email protected]
Family Services Manager
Cheryl Hutchison – [email protected]
Early Head Start Child Development Manager
Chelsea Miller – [email protected]
Transportation & Maintenance Specialist
Randall Brewer – [email protected]
Enrollment (ERSEA) Specialist
Janice Kuchelmeister – [email protected]
Site Team Leader | Beloit
Stefanie Kranz – [email protected]
Site Team Leader | Janesville
Brian Gile – [email protected]
Site Team Leader | Walworth County
Allison Kestol-Bauer – [email protected]
Board
The following volunteers are professionals, private citizens and/or parents of enrolled children who represent our services area and lead us in achieving our mission.
Mike Rundle, Chair
Jeanne Chernik-Krueger, Vice-Chair
Kassandra Stehlow, Secretary/Treasurer
Noel Jones, Policy Council Representative
Pattie Woods, Member
Sharon Grover, Member
Brian Stults, Member
Syretha Washington, Member
Kelly Campbell, Member
Ami Drava, Member
Matt Mills, Member
Julie Lewis, Legal Consultant
Policy Council
This group meets monthly or more frequently to assure that RWCFS Head Start/Early Head Start meets and exceeds its goals to provide comprehensive, high quality child development and family services programming.