Who We Are

At ACE Integration, Acceptance, Creativity, and Ecology are more than words, they are the foundation of a caring and inclusive community where children and families can thrive. Serving Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick,  We provide high-quality early childhood education and family support services that help children of all abilities learn, grow, and reach their full potential.

Through inclusive programs and strong community partnerships, ACE helps build brighter futures for Brooklyn families. Services are available at no cost to eligible families.

Supporting children ages 2–5 and families throughout Bushwick and Bedford-Stuyvesant

 

 

Our Philosophy

 “Each child is first and foremost an individual.”  

We believe every child is unique and capable of success. Our inclusive early childhood program supports children socially, emotionally, intellectually, and physically while empowering families with the tools and support they need to build brighter futures.

Whole-child learning

Our learning environment encourages growth through engaging experiences in language, math, science, music, art, and dramatic play..

We believe that parents from underprivileged backgrounds benefit from additional support as they strive to create better lives for their children. Through our program, affordable early childhood education is within reach for all

Creative problem solving

Children are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, explore new ideas, and develop confidence through hands-on learning experiences tailored to their developmental needs.

ACE supports children’s learning and development while caring for their health, nutrition, and emotional well-being.

Inclusive support

We proudly support children of all abilities. When needed, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling are provided in the family’s native language.

Our school is a safe place and handicapped-accessible to meet the needs of all children



Our History

Rooted in Head Start’s national mission and Brooklyn’s community needs, 

1965

President Lyndon B. Johnson launched Project Head Start to help break the cycle of poverty through early childhood education, health, nutrition, and family support services.

Head Start currently serves almost one million children and their families nation-wide

1994

A.C.E. Integration Head Start was established in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to support children’s development, health, nutrition, and social-emotional growth.

While initially operating from a temporary location, the organization worked toward building a permanent multi-service center that could support children and families.

The Foundation

Driven by ongoing evaluation and the evolving needs of the community, ACE continues to strengthen its programs and expand opportunities for children and families.

The organization was previously funded through NYC Administration for Children’s Services Head Start/Early Learn programs.

Today

ACE Integration proudly serves families throughout Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick and is currently funded by the New York City Department of Education.

In partnership with NYS-licensed providers, ACE offers integrated preschool special education services and enrichment programs like Kinder Dance Sports that promote creativity, confidence and social development.

 

Our Program Model

ACE combines early education, family services, individual support, and a curriculum rooted in Creative Curriculum and Reggio Emilia-inspired philosophy.

Acceptance

Helping children value themselves and others.

Creativity

Encouraging imagination and problem solving.

Ecology

Using the environment as part of learning.

Integration

Welcoming children with diverse abilities and backgrounds.

Staff

Our staff reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Many team members began their journey with ACE as parents and, through education and support, grew into the professionals and leaders they are today

Frank Alvarado

Executive Director
Over 25 years of experience in academic and education program development, nonprofit leadership, community programming, and children’s education.

Ext. 222
frank.alvarado@aceintegration.org

Nancy Pulla

Executive Assistant 

    Joined ACE in 2022, bringing finance expertise. She oversees Accounting, HR, and operations. She holds an MS in Finance and is a former ACE parent of three children

Ext. 240
Nancy.Pulla@aceintegration.org

Maria Perez

Family Worker / Community Advocate
Has served ACE since 1995 and brings strong roots in parent leadership, family support, and community advocacy

Ext. 233

Maria.Perez@aceintegration.org

Doretha Kim Hunter

Education Director

Ext. 211
Doretha.Hunter@aceintegration.org

Barbara Utendahl

Family Worker 

Ext. 212
Barbara.Utendahl@aceintegration.org

Fabiola Tipantasig

Family Worker    

Ext. 206
Fabiola.Tipantasig@aceintegration.org

Laura Cole

Operations

Ext. 209
Laura.Cole@aceintegration.org

Sponsoring Board

Our Board supports ACE’s mission by helping strengthen community partnerships, organizational growth, and long-term sustainability to ensure children and families continue receiving high-quality early childhood services.

Isonia Ricks,

Chair:
Former Head Start Parent/ Dispute Resolution

Jacqueline Bayliss- Signor

Vice Chair

Former Parent/Contract Administrator

Amani Reece,

Secretary

Forrmer Parent/Contract Administrator

Francesca Butts

Treasurer

Assistant Vice President Branch

Members

Tamar Ogburn

Former Parent/Event Specialist

Theresa Reyes, Esq.

Cassandra Payne- Bascombe

Forrmer Parent

Francesca Butts

Treasurer

Assistant Vice President Branch

Administration

Main: (718) 443-3917

Our Partners

Partnerships that strengthen ACE’s mission. ACE has served Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick for over 30 years, supported by funders, membership organizations, collaborators, unions, and nonprofit resources.

Early Childhood Learning

During its early years through June 2018, ACE was funded through the New York City Administration for Children’s Services.

In July 2021, the New York City Department of Education awarded ACE contracts for Head Start* and Birth to Five programs.

Today, the center is part of New York City’s Early Childhood Education programs.

*Head Start program currently not offered.

Membership Organizations

Lawyers Alliance for New York

Day Care Council of New York 

Collaborators

Kids Centric

Pajama Program 

Goya Foods

Programs & Resources

Through the Foster Grandparent Program, older adults serve as mentors, tutors, and caregivers who provide valuable support to children and youth with special needs in schools and community programs.

Help ACE Integration continue serving Brooklyn families.

Your support helps strengthen early learning, family services, classroom resources, and inclusive care.