Head Start Policy Council

Around the Table - Decorative Image

Policy Council is a group of elected Head Start parents and community members that participate and share in the decision-making process for the Head Start program. Parents, Head Start staff, and Policy Council members work together and provide leadership to: 

  • Strengthen their community. 
  • Communicate within their communities about the interests and needs of Head Start families.
  • Assist in improving existing educational and family services or bringing in new services.

Each Head Start site has an elected Representative and one or two Alternates on the Council. Past parents and community members are also invited to be part of the Policy Council.

Head Start Administration would like to thank those parents and community members who have volunteered their time to serve on the Council. 

Policy Council Meetings​

All members (Representatives, Alternates, and Community Members) attend monthly meetings. Meetings are held on Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. If you are a parent or guardian of a currently enrolled student, please reach out to your classroom advocate for more information on how to participate on the Council. 

Policy Council meetings are held at:

Willard Early Learning Center 
3201 S D St.
Tacoma, WA 98418

Policy Council ByLaws

Community Member Application

Policies and Procedures

The program's policies and procedures are based on Head Start's Program Performance Standards and Tacoma Public Schools Policies and Procedures. 

The program is currently in the process of updating and revising all policies and procedures to align with Head Start Program Performance Standards 45 CFR Chapter XIII.  

2023 - 2024 Meeting Dates

Meeting Minutes
October 31, 2023 (Orientation)  
November 21, 2023 Minutes
December 12, 2023  Pending
January 23, 2024  
February 27, 2024  
March 26, 2024  
April 23, 2024  
May 21, 2024  
June 11, 2024  

Meeting minutes are not posted until approved by Policy Council the following month.