Why are You Asking Me to Join Policy Council? What can I Offer?

You are being asked because you are the most important teacher in your child’s life. We value your ideas about how to best serve all the children in the program. All families from all backgrounds and family structures are welcome to Policy Council.

How Long is the Policy Council Membership?

Policy Council membership, or term of service is one year from November to November.

  • Election to Policy Council happens at the classroom level in October.
  • Training takes place in October.
  • Election for Policy Council officers happen in November (Chair, Vice Chair, etc.).
  • Monthly meetings are held from November to June. July is a recess. Meeting resume August to November

How do I Become a Council Member?

Election to Policy Council happens at the classroom level. Complete and return the nomination form to the Teacher or Family Support Coordinator. Based on the number of interested parents, a classroom election will take place. If your child’s classroom already has an elected representative, you may apply to serve as a community member on the council. All interested parents/caregivers are welcome.

Policy Council elections take place yearly. A parent can be a Policy Council member for five, one year terms.

Parents can have mixed feelings about leaving the Policy Council. You may feel proud. You may feel sad. You may feel excited about what you might do next. If you are no longer enrolled in the program, there are community memberships available. A community membership application is completed and given to the full Council to vote on.

Meetings are run by Parents

policy council pc

Policy Council Handbook

Policy Council must work in partnership with key management and the Board of Directors to develop, review and approve policies, strategic directions, criteria for the recruitment, selection and enrollment of children, funding applications, personnel and other business orientated activities that requires Policy Council’s approval. A governance flow chart helps link management, Board and Policy Council responsibilities together. The Head Start Program Governance Resource book is a good review. The HSOLC Policy Council handbook includes the bylaws. (English / Spanish)

Update Your Resume

You have developed important leadership skills by serving on the Policy Council.

    • You work with and listen carefully to others,
    • You delegate and complete tasks, and make decisions,
    • You are a public speaker and spokesperson
    • You review budgets
    • You serve on committees
    • You plan activities/events