Editing Head Start (program) (section)

== Policy Council ==
{{Unreferenced section|date=September 2024}}
The Head Start Policy Council makes up part of the Head Start governing body. Policy Council must be composed of two types of representatives: parents of currently enrolled children and community representatives. At least 51% of the members of this group must be the parents of currently enrolled children (see 45 CFR 1306.3(h) for a definition of a Head Start Parent). All parent members of the Policy Council stand for election or re-election annually through individual parent groups.  Grantees/Delegates are required to provide proportionate representation to parents in all program options and settings. If agencies operate programs serving different geographical regions or ethnic groups, they must ensure that all groups being served will have an equal opportunity to serve on the Policy Council. The Policy Council is required to meet once each month. The term follows the federal government fiscal year, running November–November. Service on the Policy Council board is limited to at most five one year terms.<ref>{{cite web |title=Head Start Program Performance Standards Part 1301 — Program Governance |url=https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/policy/45-cfr-chap-xiii/1301-3-policy-council-policy-committee |website=U.S. Department of Health & Human Services — Administration for Children & Families |access-date=1 May 2020}}</ref> The meetings are conducted in accordance with [[Robert's Rules]]. The meeting day and time is agreed upon during the first meeting of the term year and may be adjusted as needed.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}

The Policy Council approval is needed for several program functions, from new hires to the program, as well as for the budget and spending. The Council can serve the program in ways that the others in the program cannot, as it is the only body that is part of Head Start that can do fundraising. In addition to monthly meetings, Policy Council may at times need to hold special or emergency meetings or have a phone vote. Policy Council representatives are required to attend classroom meetings and report back to the Policy Council with issues and needs of the classroom. They may also be asked to sit in on interviews as Head Start requires that a Policy Council representative be present for all interviews. The officers of Policy Council include vice-chairperson, secretary, and vice-secretary. Classrooms are also able to elect alternate Policy Council reps in case the main rep is unable to attend the meetings.{{Citation needed|date=November 2024}}