Isha Isatu Barrie is a dedicated early childhood education professional, with a strong commitment to supporting the growth and development of young children. She has had a, long, successful career with Northern Virginia Family Service Head Start, culminating in her recent promotion to Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education. She brought a wealth of experience in program management, leadership, and education to this position. Before this role, Isha flourished as an NVFS supervisor when she served as a Program Manager, Center Manager, and Education Coordinator. She successfully led educational programs and contributed to staff development in each of these positions beginning in 2009. Isha gained her foundation in leadership with Arlington Community Action Program Head Start, beginning as a Center Director and Literacy Mentor Coach in 2002, and promoting to Early Childhood Education/Disabilities Coordinator in 2006. Her career in early education began when she worked as a Head Teacher at Bright Horizons DLA Child Development Center from 1999 to 2002. In this position, she gained valuable experience in working with military childcare programs at Fort Belvoir and developed expertise on the unique needs of military families. Isha attained her Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Trinity College in Washington DC in 2000.
A former Board member of the Virginia Head Start Association, Isha played a key role in advocating for best practices and quality care in the field. She is certified in all three CLASS Tools (Classroom Assessment Scoring System) for Infant, Toddler, and Preschool levels. As a Local and Internal CLASS Observer for VQB5 (Virginia Quality Birth through Five), she ensures the highest educational standards in various settings.
Outside of work, Isha enjoys sightseeing and exploring new cultures through food and travel. She loves discovering diverse culinary traditions and landscapes, finding joy in expanding her horizons and embracing the world’s rich diversity.