Early Childhood Center Appoints New Director
By Anna Gardner
Breahna Watkins-Cole
Henry Street Settlement is delighted to introduce Breahna Watkins-Cole as the new director of its Early Childhood Education Center. Breahna brings nearly 20 years of experience teaching, training, and leading in early childhood education. She is active on numerous councils and associations including the National Association of the Education of Young Children, the National Black Child Development Institute, and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Since arriving in April, she’s happy to share that the children have already warmed up to her. “They walk past my desk and they know my name,” she says, “saying things like, ‘Hey Ms. Breahna, what’s up?’”
Breahna’s grandmother, who worked in early childhood education for 50 years, inspired Breahna to get into the field. “I’m very hands on—I love to be in the classroom and make art and play,” she says. Breahna was drawn to Henry Street because of the long service of its teachers, small class sizes, and its integration into Henry Street’s full array of social services. She was immediately impressed with the breadth and depth of enrichment offerings such as music, visits from the public library, and volunteer-led art activities. “I’ve never seen kids so busy in an early childhood program!” she says. “The center provides high-quality and inclusive education that reflects the diversity of the Lower East Side.”
“The Early Childhood Education Center is the first stop at Henry Street for many families. We are where they learn about the Settlement and what we can do to support them overall.”
Most exciting for Breahna is the opportunity to engage not only with young students but with their full families and support systems. “I don’t just think of what I can do to help your child, but what I can do to help your whole family.” Breahna is already supporting families with the NYC MySchools applications for kindergarten and even helped a parent format their resume. “The Early Childhood Education Center is the first stop at Henry Street for many families,” Breahna explains. “We are where they learn about the Settlement and what we can do to support them overall.”
Senior Director of Education Services Brian McCollam says, “Breahna comes to Henry Street with a wealth of knowledge and experience in early childhood and special education services. We are excited to start our latest chapter of early childhood education with Breahna as our leader!”
Breahna notes that her connection to the Settlement dates back more than 18 years, to a period of time she spent in Henry Street’s domestic violence shelter. As a survivor, she says, the support of Henry Street’s shelter was a turning point in her life that allowed her to reach the professional goals that brought her back to the agency. Now, she holds a bachelor’s degree in human services and a master’s in special education and early childhood studies, both from Metropolitan College of New York, and is pursuing her PhD in curriculum and instruction.
As she settles into her new role, Breahna is looking forward to celebrating her first Early Childhood Education graduation in June and continuing to deepen her connection with students. “They’re really warm to welcome me, and I’m getting to see their personalities now. I love it.”
Learn more about Henry Street’s Early Childhood Education Center here.
