Procedure and Structure

Policy Council
The Policy Council provides a formal method for parent involvement and participation in program decision-making and goal setting for the agency. Policy Council members assume the leadership role of representing the collective interests of all San Francisco Head Start families enrolled in the program.

1. The Policy Council is established as early in the program year as possible or by November of each year. The Policy Council maintains its membership until the successor council is elected and seated.
2. At least 51% of elected parents with children enrolled in the program participate as active members in the Policy Council meetings in collaboration with recommended and approved Community Representatives for up to a 3-year term.
3. Meetings are held once a month at a time and place convenient to the majority of the parents.  Parents and community representatives are assisted with translation, childcare, transportation and reimbursement when applicable.
4. The Policy Council Parent Representatives and Standing Committees are elected as outlined in the San Francisco Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council By-Laws based on the program options and the number of children served by the program, delegate agencies and collaborative partners.
5. All Policy Council members are required to attend scheduled training sessions to familiarize themselves with the program, as well as their duties and responsibilities.
6. The Policy Council members review and approve or disapprove all functions outlined on the “Governance and Management Responsibilities”chart on page 2 of this section.

Policy Council Structure
The SFSU Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council shall consist of a minimum of 51% parents whose children are currently enrolled in the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.  The total membership of Policy Council is 31 members representing the San Francisco communities being served. The membership consists of:

Community Members Representatives (5) shall be recruited and recommended by the Grantee and approved by the Policy Council.  Community members shall be individual representatives or representatives of public and private and community, civic or professional organizations that have a concern for children of low-income families and their parents and can contribute to the program.  Past Head Start parents can also participate in the Policy Council as Community Representatives.

The Chairperson or designee of the San Francisco State University Head Start/Early Head Start Governing Board shall be a Policy Council representative with voting rights. No program staff (or members of their immediate families) may serve on the Policy Council, with the exception of parents who occasionally substitute in the Head Start/Early Head Start programs or Home-Base program.

Policy Council By-Laws
Policy Council By-Laws provide detailed information regarding Policy Council purpose, function, composition, term of membership, etc. The program maintains records of Policy Council meeting minutes and Policy Council trainings.

Updated 06/08/10