What is Policy Council?

Your voice can help shape the future of Head Start! We invite you to join our Head Start Policy Council, where parents and staff work side by side to make our program even stronger for every family we serve. By joining, you’ll have a meaningful role in your child’s educational journey and contribute to the continuous growth and improvement of Head Start for the entire community.
 
As a Policy Council member, you’ll gain an insider’s view of how Head Start operates, share your unique perspectives, and help make key decisions that impact children and families across our programs. We keep the experience fun, purposeful, and rewarding — because your ideas matter and your involvement makes a real difference.
 
Since its inception, the Head Start Act has required every program to have a Policy Council, ensuring that parents have a powerful voice in shaping the decisions and services that affect their children. This is more than just a meeting — it’s a collaborative space where families and staff come together to build something extraordinary.

 They felt parents should help decide how Head Start services can most benefit their family and other families in the community.
 
Head Start created the Policy Council as a formal leadership and policy-making role for parents. Today, every Head Start program must have a Policy Council as part of its leadership structure. Through the Policy Council, parents have a voice in decisions about how the program spends money, what children do in their classrooms, and how the program works with community partners.
 
When parents take on leadership roles, children, parents, and the program benefit. Children learn more and experience healthier development at school and at home. Parents can become more confident, gain skills, and connect with other parents and staff. Program staff learn about the strengths, interests, and needs of the children, families, and community they serve.