(pictured from right to left) NB & PW Club Vice-President Ms. Walker, Mable Jones; Trainer,India Darnison, Assistant Secretary, Kansas Stone, Secretary, Tammy Stevens, Vice-President, Christy Jenkins,President Executive Director, Susie D. Wilcher, NB & PW Club Secretary Maggeline Lawson
The Head Start Policy Council consists of parents and community members. At least 51 % of the Policy Council MUST be parents of Head Start children. No staff member (nor members of their families) shall serve on the Policy Council (even if they are a parent in the program as well). Staff may at­tend a Policy Council meeting upon request of the Policy Council.
Responsibilities of Policy Council Representatives
- To attend monthly meetings regularly and notify staff in advance if you are unable to attend.
- To attend training's and share the information with others.
- Serve as a link between public and private organizations.
- Initiate suggestions and ideas for program improvements.
- Review and approve budgets and participate in hiring/firing of staff members.
- Serve on executive, finance, personnel, parent activities, planning, and evaluation committees.
- Plan, with assistance of staff, activities for all parents in the program.
- Encourage other parents to participate in the program as volunteers and work with community organizations to provide any needed services.
HOW DO I BECOME A POLICY COUNCIL MEMBER?
At the first center committee meeting, parents will elect a parent to represent their center at the Policy Council. Additionally, each center will elect alternates to assist the representatives should they not be able to attend a particular meeting. The meetings will be held at an assigned meeting place.
As parents of enrolled children, you should provide support for the
per­son(s) you elect by:
- informing your representative(s) on thoughts about Policy Council matters, and
- having your representative(s) report on the Policy Council during Center meetings.