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.

What do I Need to Know to Join?

This may be the first business meeting or looking at a budget for you so it may look and sound different. No worries! Training is provided and dedicated staff are available to help you feel comfortable in your role.

When and Where do the Meetings take Place?

Policy Council meets monthly, the second Tuesday of the month, starting at 6pm. Policy Council may be offered in-person at the Whiteaker Head Start Center, Eugene or online using TEAMS.

If a meeting is in person, a meal is provided and a flat childcare rate is given to help offset the cost to attend these important business meetings.

Interpretation is available too. Let us know of anything you need to make it easier to attend meetings.

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 Get Elected to Policy Council?

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.

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)

Resume - Don't Forget to Update

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

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

You can bring these skills to your child’s future school, or to a new job or volunteer opportunity. Remember to update your resume!

When Head Start began in 1965, its founders understood that parents are essential partners in educating young children. They felt parents should help decide how Head Start services can most benefit their family and other families in the community.

Policy Council is a formal leadership and policy-making role for parents. Today, every Head Start and Early 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.

Policy Council members are elected by the parents of children enrolled in the program. Policy Council membership is 51% currently enrolled parents and 49% community members.