NEMCSA Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council

What is Policy Council? 

Policy Council is a group of parents and community members that are elected at the center level to participate in the decision and policy-making of the NEMCSA Early Childhood programs and acts as the parents’ voice.  It is an essential part of the Governance structure that helps guide the program.

Policy Council comprises parents/guardians of currently enrolled children and representatives from our community.   Each local program has a parent group.  Regional groups consisting of membership from each local group elect members to the grantee Policy Council.

Members from the community are also elected to the Policy Council as Community Representatives – these can be past parents or community partners.

What is my role as a member?

Your role as a member means that, after having been elected, you will have a voice within the program that will affect policies made as well as decisions concerning program operations.

As an elected member, you will have the opportunity to participate in the hiring process of employees and, when necessary, the terminations of staff.

As an elected member you will have the opportunity to participate on several committees.  Committees shall be established as needed but will include Executive, Personnel, Budget, and Program.

What will I need to do?

As a member, you are expected to attend all Policy Council meetings.  Meetings are monthly (November – October) and are generally held on the 4^th Friday of each month.

If you are interested in serving on Policy Council, please contact your local program staff.

Becoming a member of the Policy Council is a commitment, a chance for personal growth, and an opportunity to serve others.  It is a win-win situation for everyone!