Head Start and Early Head Start encourages parent leadership and governance as part of our program. The Policy Council is a group of parent representatives from each site/classroom and community members that review, advise, communicate, and approve recommendations about the Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Policy Council members are elected at the center’s first parent center meeting in September or October. There is a training for all new policy council members.
Policy Council members have responsibilities that include approving or disapproving procedures for program planning, criteria for enrollment selection and grant proposals as well as short and long term goals that include budgets. Policy council members also elect a President and Vice President each year.
Becoming a Member
Members are elected by a majority vote at the first Policy Council meeting of the school year. One parent and one alternate are chosen from each site and program.
Types of Members
- Parents/Family of children currently enrolled in a Neighborhood House Head Start/Early Head Start Program. The parent can only represent the classroom of his or her child.
- Local community members. Private individuals and representatives of public agencies or organizations interested in or responsible for improving the educational opportunities, health, nutrition and socioeconomic well-being of preschool children and their families.