Newest group elected to 2024-2025 Policy CouncilHCS Head Start Gives Parents A Seat at the Table
Springfield, MA – When Head Start began in 1965, its founders understood that parents are 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. This group of dedicated leaders are as vital today as they were nearly sixty years ago at the organization’s inception, and here in the local community that is no different.
Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start (HCS Head Start) is proud to share the election of the 2024-2025 Policy Council composed of parents of currently enrolled children and members-at-large of the communities served by HCS Head Start, which may include parents of children who were formally enrolled. This newly elected group of leaders includes (in alphabetical order):
“I love working with Policy Council representatives,” shares Nicole Blais, Chief Executive Officer, HCS Head Start. “Parents are key to the success of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. The Policy Council gives parents a seat at the table to make that difference. They help to keep our program responsive to the needs of our children and families. Also parents get to see another side of program operations. We have witnessed the benefits of how this inclusive leadership allows us to work together to support the work done at Head Start everyday, particularly around program planning.”
Policy Council is part of Head Start’s commitment to collaborating with parents at every level of the program. Council members work alongside the Board of Directors and members of HCS Head Start Senior Leadership, to help set program direction, exercise fiscal and legal oversight, and create a balanced representation of voices that ensure stakeholder input, diversity and accountability to the community.
Children, parents, and the program as a whole, benefit when parents take on leadership roles. Children learn more and experience healthier development at school and at home. Parents can become more confident, gain skills, and connect with other parents and staff. Program staff learn about the strengths, interests, and needs of the children, families, and community they serve.
If a HCS Head Start parent or family member has questions about Policy Council, they’re encouraged to connect with their child's teacher, family service worker, other staff member, or click here for a one-sheet with answers to common questions about the Policy Council.
For more information or questions, contact Meghan Rothschild at meghan@chikmedia.us or 413-218-4994.
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Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield Head Start has been providing high-quality early childhood education services for children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts since 1965. They are committed to providing low-income children and their families with a source of support for a brighter future. They strive to do so by providing high quality comprehensive child development services to enrolled children and empowering families to achieve stability in their home environment.
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Meghan Rothschild President & Chief Badass, Chikmedia
