Parent Corner | Parent Committees | Policy Council

     Early Head Start and Head Start are committed to and respectful of parental involvement in all areas of operation. We recognize that parents are the primary educators of their children and encourage involvement in many ways. It is unique in that there is true parent control over much of the decision-making within the program. Some ways to become involved are: individually, parent committees at the centers, and Policy Council.

Individuals may become involved through one-on-one parent meetings, home visitors, or through your Family Advocate.

Center Parent Committees consist of all parents in each classroom. Our center parents/staff get together once a month. The Parent Committee provides you an opportunity to be involved in planning your childs program.

Policy Council consists of selected classroom parents from all centers and acts as a governing body for Head Start. The Policy Council members help plan and develop program goals, approve various policies, approve hiring and firing decisions, as well as approve budget and work plans. By seeking ways to enrich their child’s experience in Head Start, parents also learn about nutrition, budget management, and the various concepts of child development and child rearing. Whether or not you are a representative, all parents have an open invitation to attend Policy Council meetings. Policy Council meets a minimum of 10 times per year.

The council has five ad-hoc committees to deal with specific issues:

•   Executive Committee
•   Personnel Committee
•   Partnership Committee
•   Health Committee
•   Education Committee