Head Start Policy Council Series

The founders of Head Start have always viewed parents as critical partners in its work to educate young children. They also understood that this partnership meant parents should help decide which services would most benefit their families and those in the community. As a result, Head Start created a formal leadership and policy-making role for parents and community members called the Policy Council.

Explore this series to learn more about how you can support parents serving on your program’s Policy Council. Review the tip sheets with parents to provide them with a better understanding of how to join the Policy Council, what it will be like to serve, and when it is time to leave.

For Providers

Two women sitting at a desk with a computer

Supporting Parents as Leaders on the Policy Council

Explore this resource to learn how you can partner with parents and support their growth as leaders and advocates on the Policy Council—and beyond.

For Parents and Families

Find answers to common questions that parents and families often have about the Policy Council. Download all the tip sheets for parents and families.

Four women sitting at a conference table listening to someone off camera

What Is the Policy Council?

Parents and family members often have questions about their program’s Policy Council. Explore this tip sheet to learn answers to common questions about the Policy Council.

Joining the Policy Council

Explore this tip sheet to help you decide whether to join your program’s Policy Council.

Two women at a desk, one sitting and one standing

Serving on the Policy Council

In this this tip sheet, learn more about being a Policy Council member. Find out about training and how to engage in making policy suggestions.

A woman shaking the hands of four other women on the other side of a desk

Leaving the Policy Council

You have served on the Policy Council. Now it is time for other parents to have the opportunity to be a member. Explore this tip sheet to learn more about leaving the Policy Council.

Related Resources

A woman speaking in front of a small seated audience

Parent Leaders as Partners in Promoting Family Engagement

As a parent or family member on the Policy Council, you are part of your program’s leadership. Use this tool to reflect on how your program is partnering with families using the Head Start Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Framework. 

A woman talking to two men seated at an office table

Enhance Parents’ Advocacy and Leadership Skills

In this series, discover more about the family engagement outcome. Review the tip sheets with parents to help them enhance their advocacy and leadership skills at home, in programs, and their community.

Policy Council

Organizational Leadership

Organizational Leadership