Board, Policy Council Hold Joint Meeting

posted 10/25/20 -- LCCAA’s Board of Directors joined this month’s meeting of the Head Start Policy Council to learn more about the program’s history and role each body plays in its operation.

Policy Council members are parents whose children are or have been in the program. They participate in budget reviews and program decisions. The president of Policy Council has a seat and a vote on LCCAA’s Board of Directors.

“Policy Council members are absolutely critical to us,” said Head Start Director Shauna Matelski, Ed.D. “You are decision makers with us and you are our best advocates.”

Matelski shared the history of Head Start which began in 1965 as an eight-week summer program. The program has since shifted its focus from the development of social competence to school readiness as the full science of child development was understood.

Approximately 32 million families have benefitted from Head Start nationwide, she added.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for our kids and our families,” said Policy Council President Susan West. “It’s just a wonderful program and every child should be able to take advantage of it.”

Policy Council meets monthly during the school year and members are needed. Contact your family service worker if you are interested. Members of the Board of Directors join the group twice a year for shared governance and training.