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PARENT, FAMILY, AND

COMMUNITY

ENGAGEMENT

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PARENT, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT IN HEAD START AND

EARLY HEAD START

Table of Contents

Introduction 3

Philosophy 4

Goals 4

Key Competencies 5

General Guidance for All Staff 5

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect 5

Personal Loans 5

References 5

Subpoenas and Court Appearances 6

Death of an Immediate Family Member or of an Enrolled Child 6

Family Literacy 7

Head Start Family Service Staff Responsibilities 8

Addressing Attendance Concerns 8

Health Requirements 8

Childcare and Subsidy 9

Home Visits – Home Based Head Start 9

Home Visits – Center Based Head Start 9

Substantial Contacts

Family Outcomes and Support Planning Instrument (FOSPI)

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Family Partnership Agreements 10

When a Parent Opts Out of the FPA Process 11

Goal Setting 11

Transitions from Early Head Start 11

Transitions between Programs 12

Transitions to Kindergarten 12

Family Services Events 12

End of Year Celebrations 15

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) 15

Head Start Policy Council (HSPC) 15

HSPC Emergency Fund 16

PAC By-Laws 17

HSPC By-Laws 20

Professional Documentation 27

Family Service Program Information Report (PIR) Questions 28

Community Partnerships 30

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Introduction

Parent, family, and community engagement in Head Start/Early Head Start is guided by several

Performance Standards, including: 1302.50-1302.53 Family and Community Engagement Program

Services, 1301 Program Governance, and 1302.100-1302.103 Program Management and Quality

Improvement. Additionally, Performance Standards 1302.34, 1302.41, and 1302.46 relay the necessity of

engaging parents around the health, development, and education of their child.

Head Start/Early Head Start (HS/EHS) works towards a goal that every child is ready for school and

sustains learning gains through the third grade. In order to effectively do so, Reach Dane recognizes the

importance of recognizing the parent’s role as their child’s first and best teacher. Successful parent

engagement impacts every aspect of Agency programming, influences the work of other anti-poverty

programs, and brings about changes in the communities in which our families live.

In 2011, the Office of Head Start introduced the Parent, Family, and Community Engagement (PFCE)

Framework as a road map for integrating family engagement throughout the whole Agency. Reach Dane

has wholeheartedly embraced the PFCE Framework as a guide for the work we do to engage families and

ensure that children have successful learning experiences.

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Philosophy

At Reach Dane, family engagement is the responsibility of every member of the organization. Each

person, within their role, has the capacity to influence and support the growth and development of

children and families. Staff who provide direct services to parents are in the unique position to help

families develop and achieve goals for themselves and their families.

It is expected that all staff members recognize, support, and celebrate the dignity and worth of each

individual we serve. Families are offered an array of services and support that best meet the needs of

their individual situation. Families are encouraged to be active participants in their child’s education

through home visits, volunteering in the classroom, and working with their child individually at home.

Additionally, parents are encouraged to act as leaders on the local level through their Parent Advisory

Committee (PAC) or at the agency level through the Head Start Policy Council (HSPC).

Parent participation is NOT a mandatory condition of a child’s enrollment in Head Start. While staff

should continue to offer support, services, and resources to all families, they must be cognizant that not all

families are in place to access them. Every child, regardless of parent participation, can benefit from the

positive classroom environment that is offered.

It is also important for staff to understand that lasting change can only occur within the context of a

relationship. By building strong, positive, and goal-oriented relationships with families, direct service

staff have the opportunity to foster positive outcomes for parents and their children.

Goals

The Family Services department focuses on achieving the following goals with all families:

1. Partner with families to develop Family Partnership Agreements that identify strengths, resources

and needs in order to form meaningful family goals

2. Identify, partner, and collaborate with community organizations that offer services that will

enhance family well-being and self-sufficiency

3. Ensure that families are aware of and able to access community resources

4. Assist families in transitioning between EHS and HS and from HS to kindergarten to ensure that

learning gains are maintained

5. Support families to meet required health screenings and follow-ups so children are healthy and

available for learning

6. Provide opportunities for parents to connect with their peers and build a sense of community

among program participants

Additionally, family services staff play a key role in recruitment activities to ensure that all eligible

families are aware of, and able to engage in, our services.

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Key Competencies

All Reach Dane staff members, particularly those who have specific family services responsibilities, are

expected to demonstrate the following competencies in their interactions with families:

1. Empathy – listen and communicate accurately and with sensitivity to the feelings and experiences

of the other person. Parents are more likely to consider other options when they feel their

experience is viewed as equal and valid.

2. Authenticity – be yourself. While it’s important for each member of the staff to have boundaries,

it is equally important to share your unique gifts, talents, and experiences with families.

3. Acceptance – recognize that each person has their own values and priorities, even when they

differ from your own values or priorities.

4. Objective – when relaying information about a child or family it is important to do so without

personal feelings, opinions, or biases.

5. Specific- work with families to identify goals and develop clear, concrete steps for achieving

them.

6. Competent – don’t be afraid to ask for help from your supervisors and colleagues. Asking for

help can be a positive role modelling experience for families and is a sign of strength.

7. Reflective – think about the work that you do and how you might be more effective.

8. Empowering – recognize the family’s role as a senior partner in setting priorities. You are there

to support and advise as needed.

General Guidance for All Staff

Reporting Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect

All Reach Dane employees are mandated to report any suspicions of abuse or neglect of a child in

accordance with Reach Dane policies and Wisconsin State Law. Following a report to Human Services,

families may need additional assistance or support from agency staff. For further guidance, please see the

Child Abuse and Neglect policy (located in the Child Development section of this book) or contact the

Mental Health Manager.

Personal Loans

The families we serve are living in poverty and can face a financial crisis at any time. Staff may not

give money to a parent/family at any time regardless of the circumstance or level of need. In these

situations staff should work with families to identify community resources that might be available.

Additionally, the HSPC has created an emergency fund to address these types of issues that staff may

access on behalf of a family. Please see the Emergency Fund Policy later in this section for further

guidance.

References

Staff should be cautious when asked for a letter of reference and should consider whether they can offer a

knowledgeable or fair reference. If you feel that writing a letter on behalf of a parent would be

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appropriate, discuss the request with your supervisor. In general, staff should not provide employment

references. Exceptions may be made in consultation with the FE Managers. Any letters sent on behalf of

a family should be approved by your supervisor prior to sending. A copy should be placed in the child’s

master file.

Subpoenas and Court Appearances

Reach Dane will comply with all city, county, state, and federal laws. Therefore, in accordance with

these laws, the agency will cooperate with and adhere to all subpoenas served to staff with regards to the

families we serve. Additionally, family service staff may be called upon to act as an observer or support

to families involved with the court system. The following procedure was developed to ensure compliance

with all laws and protect staff and the agency from potential lawsuits. All staff members are expected to

adhere to the following procedure:

1. If you are notified that you may be subpoenaed, state that that the subpoena should be sent to the

Main Office. If it is not, you must notify the Family Engagement Managers and the Education

Compliance Manager and/or Education Programming Manager immediately.

2. The FE Managers and ECM/EPM will determine who/what is being subpoenaed and notify the

Comprehensive Services Director and Executive Director.

3. If records are being subpoenaed, the ECM/EPM and FE Managers will determine what records

are required and determine if legal advice is needed.

4. A copy of the subpoena will be placed in the child’s master file.

5. Any staff member testifying in court must meet with the FE Managers and EHS Comprehensive

Services Director before any court appearance. Documentation of the court appearance must be

completed within two working days.

6. If possible, parents should be notified that a staff have received a subpoena

Staff should remember that parent contacts are official records. They are subject to subpoena and can be

viewed by parents and the court system. Documentation should be accurate, legible, and factual.

Death of an Immediate Family Member or of an Enrolled Child

It is important that staff respond to a family’s grief over the death of a child or a parent/guardian in a

manner that acknowledges the care and concern we have for families as well as the limitations of our

services. The response must be done in a way that acknowledges the family’s loss and the impact it has

on us and our relationship with them. When responding to a death, staff should consider and be respectful

of the cultural and/or religious values of the family. Within the context of this, staff should consider how

best to support the surviving children and the adults impacted by this loss.

When a family experiences a death, whether it is of an enrolled child or a family member, staff should

follow these procedures:

1. Work with the staff team and the Site Director to determine who is the most appropriate person to

connect with the family. This should be someone who has a close relationship with the family

and will have ongoing contact with them. This is not the time to introduce new/unfamiliar people

to the family.

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2. The team should work in coordination with the FE and MH Managers to determine services and

agency resources (if available) to support the children, family, and staff.

3. The family contact should work with the surviving relatives to determine what supports and

resources the family needs

4. Site staff will work with the family to identify culturally appropriate responses to the family.

Program supervisors will work the FE and MH Managers and Comprehensive Service Director to

arrange for flowers or food to be sent to the family. If other needs exist, the request will be sent

to the Executive Director for approval.

5. Staff known to the family may find it important to attend the funeral. If arrangements are held

during work hours, staff should follow Reach Dane leave request procedures.

6. If a currently enrolled child should die, site staff should work with their Site Director, EPM/ECM,

and the FE and MH Managers to determine what information, if any, should be shared with other

children and their families.

Staff members should also consider the following in the event of a death:

1. Sometimes experiencing a death in our professional lives brings up losses we have experienced

personally. Staff should feel comfortable seeking out support from their supervisor, the FE and

MH Managers, or the Employee Assistance Program to work through the experience.

2. Children often experience regressions after a traumatic experience. Your supervisor, the FE and

MH Managers, and the agency Mental Health Consultants are available to help the team think

through how best to support a child who has experienced a death in the family

3. The FE and MH Managers and the Mental Health Consultants are available to help connect

families to appropriate resources as they grieve.

Family Literacy

Reach Dane encourages the development of Family Literacy as it relates to Adult Education, English as a

Second Language, and Financial Literacy. Staff interested in receiving further information about these

services should contact the FE Managers. Additionally, there are family literacy libraries located at the

Red Arrow, East Madison, and South Madison locations that have materials to be loaned out to programs

to enhance the connection between home and school.

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Head Start Family Service Staff Responsibilities

Employees with family services responsibilities will assume a lead role in implementing the social service

work plan by providing ongoing comprehensive support and case management services to assigned

families that promote family wellbeing, self-sufficiency, and social competency. Employees should refer

to their job description for specific duties and responsibilities. To follow are key responsibilities for direct

service staff:

1. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with assigned families that demonstrate

respect and understanding

2. Federal performance standards require that each family receive a minimum of 3 home visits per

year. Staff are expected to work with each family to determine the level of services and support

they need to be successful above and beyond the established minimum.

3. Contact each family on a monthly basis to follow-up on progress on goals, offer services, and

provide connection to the program

4. Work with families to develop Family Partnership Agreements that identify strengths, goals, and

needed resources

5. Provide resources and referrals to families related to housing, employment, and financial literacy

services

6. Work with families to strengthen and enhance parent-child relationships through workshops,

Family Service Events, and home visits

7. Encourage parents to volunteer in the classroom, offer feedback to learning opportunities, and

work with their child at home to enhance their expertise and role as educators

8. Refer families to community resources focused on Adult Basic Education, GED, English as a

Second Language, AA and BA degree programs as appropriate

9. Assist Early Head Start families in understanding the transition to Head Start

10. Assist all families in transitioning to kindergarten and understanding the differences between

Head Start and the public schools

11. Encourage and facilitate parent connections to one another through Family Service Events, parent

workshops, and opportunities to work together to support the program

12. Encourage the development of leadership skills through PAC positions as well as supporting

parent participation in HSPC

13. Support parents of children with disabilities in advocating for their rights under the IDEA

Direct service staff also have responsibilities in the areas of Health and Development as well as

Enrollment, Recruitment, and Attendance. Please see those sections of this book for further guidance.

Addressing Attendance Concerns

Family Outreach Workers (FOWs) are expected to assist families in resolving any attendance issues. The

Enrollment Manager is available to assist FOWs in identifying attendance issues and sending home

attendance letters. Families who receive an attendance letter should also receive a home visit to create an

Attendance Plan to ensure that barriers to their child’s attending school regularly can be addressed.

Health Requirements

The required health screenings that all children must receive are addressed in the Health section of this

book. Family Service staff are responsible for ensuring compliance with these Performance Standards.

Staff can assist families with meeting their child’s healthcare needs in the following ways:

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1. Provide information on the importance of regular physical, dental, and mental health care

2. Assist families in obtaining and maintaining health insurance

3. Assist families in establishing a medical and dental home for all family members

4. Ensure that all required health screenings and follow-ups are completed in conjunction with the

family

5. Assist other family members in accessing medical, dental, and mental health services as able

Childcare and Subsidy

Reach Dane is pleased to offer wrap-around childcare for working families. Full-year FOWs are

responsible for working with families to ensure that they maintain their city or county subsidy and are up-

to-date with any co-payments.

Home Visits – Home Based Head Start

Home Based Head Start families meet with the Home Visitation teacher on a weekly basis. During visits,

parents and teachers work together on educational and family goals. Educational goals are developed

based on the child’s developmental and educational needs. Family goals are created through the Family

Partnership Agreement process. See the Family Partnership Agreement section of this document for

further details.

Home Visits – Center Based Head Start

Center Based Head Start families will have a minimum of three (3) home visits each year. These

meetings are specifically set to review the goals set through the Family Partnership Agreement process.

Often times, staff will need to have more frequent visits with families to assist them in achieving goals

and address any difficulties that may arise. When possible Family Outreach Workers and Teachers

should conduct at least one joint home visits (ideally the Winter Quarter home visits) together to help

families understand how Education and Family Services work together.

Substantial Contacts

Family Outreach Workers are required to have a minimum of one substantial contact with each family

each month. This can be a phone conversation, attending an appointment with a family, or a home visit.

The purpose of these contacts is to ensure that families are connected to the program, know how to seek

out services, and are receiving any help that they may need. Sending flyers or materials home to a family,

while important and necessary, does not constitute a substantial contact.

Family Outcomes and Support Planning Instrument (FOSPI)

The Family Outcomes and Support Planning Instrument is Reach Dane’s in-house family needs

assessment utilized to identify family strengths and needs related to the family engagement outcomes as

described in the Head Start Parent Family and Community Engagement Framework, including family

well-being, parent-child relationships, families as lifelong educators, families as learners, family

engagement in transitions, family connections to peers and the local community, and families as

advocates and leaders.

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FOSPI outcomes should be completed in our Child Plus database for all HS (center-based and home-

based) enrolled families at two checkpoints throughout each program year, using the following

guidelines:

Preliminary Data Point

Should be completed for all families enrolled before December 1 for Fall Quarter close

out

For any family/child who are newly enrolled after December 1 or during Winter Quarter

the Preliminary Data Point should be completed by Winter Quarter close out

End of Year Data Point

Should be completed for all families who have a completed Preliminary Data Point

For any family/child who are newly enrolled during Spring Quarter

For any family/child who are newly enrolled during Spring Quarter, only one data point

will collected

In order to enter End of Year Data Point for children enrolled past when the Preliminary

Data Point was collected (i.e. Winter Quarter or Spring Quarter), Not Assessed must be

checked

o Select Participant > Family Services > Family Outcomes > Preliminary Data

Point > Edit > Not Assessed > Save

If a family/child has been continuously enrolled from one program year to the next, Preliminary

and End of Year FOSPI outcomes should be completed, and then completed every subsequent

year the family/child is enrolled, by Fall Quarter close out and Spring Quarter close out (early

December and late May).

Family Partnership Agreements

Family Partnership Agreements (FPAs) are working documents that outline the goals a family hopes to

achieve over the course of the coming year. They may focus on things like improving parenting skills,

obtaining further education, learning English as a Second Language, saving for the future, etc. Family

Service staff are responsible for developing these agreements with families based on strengths and needs

identified by the family. In order to develop an effective Family Partnership Agreement, staff should

consider the following:

1. Before starting with the forms, spend some time getting to know families and letting them get to

know you. Consider how likely you would be to discuss goals and challenges you face with

someone you’ve just met.

2. Be respectful, but persistent. Make an effort to pursue families and identify what barriers they

may be facing if they are unwilling or unable to meet with you. Remember that participation in

services is voluntary. Parents have the right to say no to home visits.

3. Families like to know that the information that they share with staff is used and reviewed. Be

sure to review any enrollment paperwork and/or previous plans before meeting with a family.

This will help you identify previous goals they have identified and give you a starting place for

discussion about their current needs and wishes.

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4. When families are involved with multiple service providers it may be helpful to have them

complete a Consent for Transfer of Family Information. This helps us avoid a duplication of

services and allows us to work collaboratively for the best possible outcome.

5. While it’s important to consider family needs when developing FPAs, it is equally important to

consider the strengths and motivations of the family. These will help guide the conversation

towards future success and inspire hope in a parent.

6. Goals should be something that the family is interested in working towards and achieving. Staff

are there to help, guide, and assist as needed. However, the parent should always be the driving

force. Lasting change can only occur if they individual making the change is truly invested.

7. Be sure to celebrate the small successes. Change often occurs in fits and starts. Celebrate what’s

going well and problem-solve the barriers that come up over time.

Documentation: Family Partnership Agreement (#219)

When a Parent Opts Out of the FPA process

Parents have the right to refuse home visits. If this were to happen, staff should document all attempts to

contact the family and the outcome of those contacts. If the parent informs a staff member that they do

not want to participate in home visits, every attempt should be made to have them document this in

writing for our records. Staff should continue to be supportive, make contact, and offer resources for

families even if they opt out. Family Outreach Workers are responsible for informing their Supervisor

and the FE Managers if any family opts out of the FPA process. FOWs will work with their supervisor to

continue to work on engaging the family.

Goal Setting

Effective goal setting meets the following criteria:

S(pecific) – what are we going to achieve?

M(easurable) – how do we know we’re achieving the goal?

A(chievable) – is this something that can be attained in the time frame identified?

R(ealistic) – given our current life circumstance, is this something we can achieve right now?

T(imely) – when will we accomplish the goal?

Goal setting can be a sensitive topic for a family because it exposes areas of their life that aren’t going

well or where they are feeling vulnerable. It may be helpful to build upon what’s going well rather than

what isn’t.

Transitions from Early Head Start

Some of our families will transition to Head Start from the Early Head Start program. This can be a

difficult adjustment for families as they have often spent three years working individually with the same

Family Advocate. Many of our Early Head Start families are first time parents and have never had the

experience of sending a child to school. Time is set aside at the beginning of each school year for

transition meetings so Head Start Teachers and Family Outreach Workers have the opportunity to talk

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with the family and the Early Head Start Family Advocates or Center Based Family Support Specialists

about the child and the family. In addition to these structured meetings, Family Advocates and Center

Based Family Support Specialists are available for consultation if the need should arise.

Transitions between Programs

If a family should move between Head Start classrooms during the course of the program year both

Family Outreach Workers are responsible for ensuring that an exchange of information occurs so that

services are uninterrupted for the family.

Transitions to Kindergarten

Families are with our programs for a limited amount of time. It’s important to work with families to

ensure that they are connected to community resources that are available to them even after they have left

our programs. Our goal is to empower families to experience success and build confidence.

Family Service Events

Family Fun Nights are an important tool in the implementation of the Parent, Family and Community

Engagement Framework. All Family Fun Night Events should have the overarching goals of enhancing

Positive Parent-Child Relationships, recognizing Families as Lifelong Educators, supporting Families

and Learners, and building Family Connections to Peers and Community, and Emphasizing peer

group interaction through age-appropriate activities.

Events should be scheduled at a time convenient for the majority of parents to attend while in keeping to

the constraints of each site’s location (multi-site vs single site vs community center).

Month Event Theme

September or October Family Fun Night -Orientation to Program and Site/PAC and HSPC elections, Health Education (Physical Activity and Health Eating) -PAC meeting

November or December Family Fun Night -Family and Male Engagement -PAC meeting

January Family Fun Night -Literacy/Language (activity specified by education) -PAC meeting

February Family Fun Night -Math (activity specified by education) -PAC meeting

March or April Family Fun Night -EOYC planning -PAC meeting

Offered sometime between February

Parenting Curriculum -ACT- 8 week session with one additional

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through April week for Spring Break -Spanish/English

Spring Open House -Building Connections and Relationships -Recruitment

May or June End of Year Celebration

August (EHS ONLY) Family Fun Night -PAC meeting

The first Family Fun Night will be held in September or October. The theme of this FFN will be an

Orientation to Head Start and your classroom, PAC and HSPC elections, as well as have a Health

Education parent/child activity component.

The second Family Fun Night will be held in November or December. The theme of this FFN will

be Family and Male Engagement with emphasis on engaging positive male role models.

Parent/Child activities should be tailored and inviting to positive male role models. The PAC will

meet.

The third Family Fun Night will be held in January and the theme will be Language and Literacy

and have a parent/child activity. Education Services and Lead Teacher PLCs will determine

parent/child activity. The PAC will meet.

The fourth Family Fun Night will be held in February and the theme will be Math and have a

parent/child activity. Education Services and Lead Teacher PLCs will determine parent/child

activity. The PAC will meet.

The fifth Family Fun Night will be held in March or April. The PAC will meet and can utilize this

time to plan End of Year Celebrations.

PAC meetings will be held at all Family Fun Nights.

Between March and April, the 8 session ACT parenting curriculum should be offered to all

parents at your site. One additional week will span over Spring Break. The Parenting Curriculum

can be held in collaboration with other sites regionally close to you. FOWs can partner with

other FOWs in their region to facilitate the Parenting Curriculum, as well as EHS Family Services

Staff (FAs or CBFSs).

End of Year Celebrations will be held in May or June.

An Open House to invite incoming students for the following Fall and to recruit new families

from your local community will be held at each site the Spring prior. These can be done on a

classroom basis, or at the site level.

Classroom and sites are encouraged to offer other parent education opportunities as needed or

requested by parents, and keeping in mind feasibility for staff members.

Classroom teams can decide to hold Family Fun Nights individually at their site, or partner with

other sites who are geographically close.

The focus of Family Fun Nights and Male Engagement Events are to engage and model for families age

appropriate interactions between a caregiver and their child. All Family Fun Night and Male

Engagement learning should be accomplished through a Parent and Child activity. Aside from the PAC

meetings, children should not be spending the evening in child care.

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At minimum, each Family Fun Night and Male Engagement Event should include the following elements:

1. Communal meal

2. Parent/Child activity

3. PAC meeting

a. HSPC update by Co-Chair/HSPC Representative

b. Classroom updates including parent input on curriculum and lesson planning

c. Family services updates

d. Time for parent questions and concerns

e. Other agenda items as needed on a classroom/site basis

Other considerations:

If a Family Service Event is cancelled due to school closing, it will not need to be made up.

The decision to cancel a Family Service Event due to inclement weather must be made in

consultation with the Family Service Provider, Site Director, and Family Engagement Manager.

Family Service Events Submission Guidelines

Before the Event:

The following items must be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the event:

Food order to the Food Services Coordinator (Kathy Robinson)

Transportation request to the Transportation Coordinator (John Corcoran)

o If utilizing Transportation Specialist at your Site, communicate with the TS Directly

regarding date/time of event

o If requiring transportation needs outside of your regular site Transportation Specialist,

contact John Corcoran with date/time to coordinate transportation

o If your Program does not provide transportation to school, then no transportation is

provided for FSEs.

o Transportation will be provided for regional Male Engagement Events

o Transportation will not be provided for Parenting Curriculum

If you need to purchase items or pay for a service provided during a Family Service Event, please email

Ashley Jansen, Family Engagement Manager, 3 Weeks prior to the event with,

Brief Description of the Event/Agenda

Price Comparison (Items Requesting to Purchase +3 Comparisons)

After the Event:

The following items must be submitted within 1 week of your event:

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To: Direct Supervisor

(FEM or FOS)

To: Fiscal Department

(Matt Brager)

To: Food Services Coordinator

(Kathy Robinson)

Copy of sign-in sheet

Copy of agenda

Copy of evaluations

Copy of PAC meeting

minutes

Copy of Family Fun

Night Planning form

with de-brief notes

included

Original sign-in sheet

Copy of agenda with

time frames clearly

marked

In-kind for any outside

presenters and families

that assisted with the

planning, set-up, or

clean-up

Receipts and invoices as

appropriate

Copy of sign-in sheet

Copy of meal order form

Documentation:

Family Fun Night Planning Form (#265)

PAC Meeting Minutes (#252)

End of Year Celebrations

Each program will have an End of Year Celebration to celebrate successes and mark the transition to 4K

or kindergarten. End of Year Celebrations should be planned by parents and staff. Guidelines for End of

Year Celebrations are released each year by February so programs have sufficient time to plan.

Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)

All parents/guardians are members of the Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for their child’s classroom.

A PAC meeting should be held during each Family Fun Night. This is a time for teachers to share what is

currently going on in the classroom as well as solicit feedback and recommendations from the parents.

The PAC meeting is also a time for parents to share any questions or concerns they have about general

child development. The PAC meeting is also the place for the HSPC representative to share information

about what is occurring at the larger agency level, solicit concerns to bring back to the HSPC meetings,

and share volunteer and committee opportunities. This is an excellent place for parents to develop the

skills they need to develop in their role as advocates for their child’s education and as leaders within their

community. (See PAC Bylaws at the end of this section).

Head Start Policy Council (HSPC)

The Head Start Policy Council (HSPC) is made up of one representative from every PAC as well as

community representatives. The Federal Performance Standards mandate that a minimum of 51% of the

Policy Council is made up of parents of currently enrolled children. This is to ensure that those who are

currently receiving services from the agency are represented in the decision making. It is the HSPC

Parent Rep’s responsibility to represent the other parents who are a part of their PAC.

HSPC functions as part of the overall program governance for the agency. They work in conjunction with

agency staff and the Board of Directors to ensure compliance with the Performance Standards. The

Performance Standards outline specific functions that the Policy Council is responsible for:

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Establishing a method of hearing and resolving community complaints about the HS/EHS

program.

Conducting a self-evaluation of the Agency's HS/EHS programs.

Review and approval of the Agency work plans which delineate how Reach Dane will comply

with the performance standards

Approve the areas in the community in which HS programs will operate as part of the

Community Needs Assessment.

Approve the criteria for the selection of children within applicable laws and guidelines.

Review and approve the composition of the appropriate policy group and the method for setting it

up.

Approve HS/EHS personnel policies (including the establishment of hiring and firing criteria for

HS/EHS staff, career development plans, and employee grievance procedures).

Approve any request for funds and the proposed program including all federal, state, and local

grants.

Major changes in budget and Agency Work Plans while program is in operation.

Hiring of key agency personnel including the HS and EHS Director, Executive Director/CEO,

Finance Director, and HR Director

Identifying child development needs in the areas to be served and ensuring that standards for

acquiring space, equipment, and supplies are met.

Review on a monthly basis the agency budget, credit card statements, enrollment and meal counts

The Family Engagement Managers and Family Outreach Supervisor serve as the staff liaisons to HSPC

and are available to support members in fulfilling their duties as required. (See HSPC bylaws at the end

of this section)

HSPC Emergency Fund

The Head Start Policy Council (HSPC) recognizes Head Start and Early Head Start families can

experience crisis situations where access to emergency funds is necessary. Through fundraising efforts,

HSPC has created an emergency fund that staff can access when all other resources have been exhausted.

Families may receive a one-time payment of up to $60 to assist in a crisis, help with an unexpected

expense, pay for a housing related cost, or other situations that may arise. The amount increases to $120

for families experiencing homelessness, or in the prevention of homelessness. This fund may only be

accessed once during their participation in Reach Dane/Reach Green programming. A second payment

may be permitted at the discretion of the Comprehensive Services Director in case of an emergency

outside the control of the family.

To access the funds, staff should email the Comprehensive Services Director or Family Engagement

Manger(s) and their supervisor with the following information:

1. Full name of enrolled child and parent/guardian

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2. A brief description of the situation

3. The names of three community resources that staff and the family have tried to contact to

alleviate the situation and the outcome of those contacts.

a. If three community resources aren’t available for the given situation, a brief description

of what the staff has attempted will be accepted.

4. Who does the money go to and in what form

Once a request has been received, the Comprehensive Services Director and Family Engagement

Managers will review the request and determine if it meets the fund criteria and if there are funds

available to cover the request. If so, the Comprehensive Services Director will contact the HSPC

Treasurer to make a joint final determination. As these are often emergency requests, the HSPC

Treasurer will have a 3 hour window to return the call. If the HSPC Treasurer cannot be reached in that

time frame, the Comprehensive Services Director will make the final determination.

Families who receive assistance from the fund are encouraged, but not required, to select an activity from

the HSPC Emergency Fund Request form, to complete while they have a child enrolled.

Use of funds will be reviewed monthly as a part of the HSPC Treasurer’s report.

Head Start/Early Head Start

PAC By-Laws

Parent Advisory Committees (PACs) shall function as the official advisory body for the individual

programs within Dane and Green Counties Head Start. The purpose and objectives of PACs are:

To expand social interaction, networks, and support systems.

To strengthen confidence in social/group situations.

To participate as a contributing member of a committee.

To promote and strengthen skills in effective group communication.

To participate in group decision-making processes.

To assist staff in planning and designing an appropriate and stimulating educational environment.

To provide a standardized vehicle for parental participation, in-put, review, and evaluation of the

program.

To enhance the individual skills of parents in the areas of but not limited to, decision-making,

child development, parenting, etc.

To generate in-kind contributions in support of the individual program and Dane and Green

County’s Head Start.

Members

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Section 1: All families/guardians of children currently enrolled at Reach Dane HS and EHS will make up

the membership of PAC.

Section 2: The membership of each PAC shall elect a representative to the Head Start/Early Head Start

Policy Council (HSPC).

Section 3: A staff resource person will be designated to serve in an ex-officio capacity to each PAC.

Additional staff as needed will be assigned to support PAC activities.

Meetings

Section 1: The meetings of each local PAC will be held periodically throughout the program year.

Special meetings of PAC may be held as necessary.

Section 2: The first meeting of the program year shall be the Parent Orientation meeting.

Section 3: Proceedings of the PAC meetings shall be in accordance with a form of Standard

Parliamentary Procedure accepted by the HSPC’s members.

Voting

Each member of the PAC shall be entitled to vote on all matters brought to a vote during a meeting at

which said member is present. Decisions at meetings will be made by a majority vote of those present.

Officers

Section 1: The officers of the PAC shall be a Chairperson, Co-Chairperson (HSPC Rep), and Secretary.

Officers shall be elected by the local PAC members at the first PAC meeting.

Section 2: Officers shall serve for a term of one (1) program year. Officers are eligible to be re-elected,

to the same office provided they meet the requirement of being a parent of a currently enrolled child.

Section 3: When an officer’s position is vacated, an election must then be conducted at the next regularly

scheduled meeting.

Duties of Officers

Section 1: The Chairperson shall: a) preside at all meetings, b) appoint all committee chairpersons, c)

call special meetings upon request, d) prepare the agenda with the assistance of the Executive Committee

and staff.

Section 2: The Co-Chairperson shall be the designated officer to serve as the local PAC representative to

the HSPC (maximum of 5 years), shall perform all duties and assume all responsibilities of the

chairperson in her/his absence, and shall replace the chairperson if s/he can no longer serve.

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Section 3: The Secretary shall: a) record the actions (minutes) taken by the PAC meetings, b) maintain a

current record of by-laws and amendments, c) submit a copy of minutes to Family Service Provider.

Executive Committee

The Executive Committee shall be composed of the local PAC officers. The responsibilities of the PAC

Executive Committee shall be to: a) encourage parent participation, b) plan special events, c) carry on

PAC business in between regular meetings, and d) resolve conflicts. The designated staff person shall be

present at each meeting of the executive committee.

Removal of Officers

Section 1: Action may be taken to remove any PAC officers when: a) s/he misses two (2) consecutive

meetings without notification, b) s/he fails to fulfill her/his stated duties, or c) her/his conduct reflects

poorly on the PAC and/or Reach Dane.

Amendments to the PAC By-Laws

Section 1: HSPC-initiated recommendations will be submitted to PACS for review with proposed

changes for review and comment at least thirty (30) days prior to approval.

Section 2: Parent-initiated recommendations will be forwarded from the PAC to the HSPC for

consideration.

______________________________ _____________________________________

Date HSPC Secretary

______________________________ ___________________________________

HSPC By-Laws Chairperson HSPC Chairperson

Approved: 06/23/2013

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Dane County Parent Council, Inc.

DBA Reach Dane Head Start-Early Head Start

HSPC By-Laws

2017-2018

Article 1: Name of Organization

The name of this organization shall be known as the Reach Dane Head Start Policy Council; the

abbreviated title will be HSPC.

Article 2: Purpose

To maintain an effective HSPC that will empower and support parent and community

participation in HS policy making and program decisions and to provide an annual opportunity

for parents to assume leadership roles in representing the collective interests of all enrolled

families.

Section A: Duties and Responsibilities of the Head Start Policy Council

1. Planning

To provide parent input and approval, through representation, from all the Head Start sites and

the programs, for the operation of the Early Head Start and Head Start programs, sponsored by

Reach Dane. HSPC approval responsibilities will include involvement in:

a. Development of procedures for implementing program planning.

b. The development of, involvement in, and assessment of, the program’s philosophy, and

long and short-term goals and objectives.

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c. Approval of the criteria for recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance priorities

(ERSEA).The criteria will reflect the results of the Community Needs Assessment.

d. Approval of all funding applications and amendments to funding applications for Early

Head Start and Head Start programs.

e. The annual review of Reach Dane’s program: Head Start/Early Head grant applications

and other annual assessments of program operations.

f. Approval of delegate/contract sites and their service areas.

2. Procedures

Reach Dane will maintain general operating procedures that include:

a. Procedures for composition and the selection of the HSPC.

b. Procedures that describe how Reach Dane’s Board of Directors and HSPC will

implement shared decision-making, procedures for hearing and resolving community

complaints about the program, and written procedures for resolving internal disputes

/impasse between the governing body and the HSPC.

c. Procedures for reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by involved members

3. Human Resource Management Reach Dane will maintain Personnel Policies and changes to these polices. This includes the standards of

conduct for program staff, consultants and volunteers.

a. Approve decisions to hire or terminate regular employees that work primarily in the Early

Head Start/Head Start Program.

b. Decisions to hire or terminate the Early Head Start or Head Start Director.

Article 3: Membership

Section A: Composition

The Head Start Policy Council Composition plan will be reviewed annually for approval.

HSPC Membership will consist of forty one (41) members; twenty seven (27) representatives

from Head Start programs, five (5) representatives from Early Head Start programs, three (3)

representatives from the Early Head Start Childcare Partnership, and six (6) Community

Representatives, three (3) representatives from the community-at-large and up to three (3) former

Head Start or Early Head Start parents.

Designated Reach Dane staff will work with the HSPC participating as Ex-Officio members in a

non-voting capacity. No employee of Reach Dane, or family member, shall serve on the HSPC.

If a Parent Representative becomes employed by Reach Dane during their term in office on

HSPC, they can no longer attend, and the Parent Advisory Committee they have been

representing must elect another Parent Representative to replace the employee.

Section B: Election

Parent Representatives in both the Early Head Start and Head Start programs will be elected by

their PAC at the monthly parent meeting in September/October. Any vacancies/resignations of

elected representatives will be filled at the next PAC meeting following the vacancy. PAC

members electing their Parent Representative must be parents of children currently enrolled.

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Potential Community Representatives may be recommended to the HSPC by members,

community groups or by staff that are working in the community and who are aware of the

interest and potential contribution of an individual. The HSPC members will approve of all

Community Representatives.

Section C: Term of Office

All HSPC Representatives will serve one (1) year terms of office. Parent Representatives of

currently enrolled children may be re-elected for a maximum of five (5) years of service. Former

parents serving as Community Representatives may serve a combined total of five (5) years.

Representatives from the Community-at-large may be re-elected for a maximum of five (5)

years.

Section D: Attendance Requirement

HSPC Representatives have a great deal of responsibility. They are relied upon by the parents

they represent, staff and the Governing Board for receiving needed input. It is therefore expected

that each HSPC member will maintain regular, consistent attendance at all HSPC meetings as

well as all meetings for which they are a representative.

Action may be taken to remove any HSPC member or representative when: a) s/he misses two

(2) consecutive meetings without notification or three (3) meetings total except for extenuating

circumstances; b) s/he fails to fulfill her/his stated duties: or c) her/his conduct reflects poorly on

the HSPC and /or Reach Dane.

Section E: The Duties of all HSPC Representatives/members are as follows:

1. Attend all HSPC meetings and other meetings for which they represent HSPC.

2. Arrive on time for all scheduled meetings.

3. Actively participate in meetings by reading the agenda and being aware of the matters at

hand.

4. Read and keep copies of HSPC and other committee minutes.

5. Stay aware of the council’s purpose, plan and progress. Plan and deliver monthly HSPC

Reports at the PAC meetings, as well as report information and concerns from the PAC

meetings to the Policy Council.

6. Consider all sides of the issue before voting; debate the issues; not the people.

7. Accept and support all decisions made by the majority of members of the Policy Council.

8. Study and follow all HSPC By-Laws

Section F: Quorum

1. A Quorum for conducting business of the HSPC is (51) percent of the active

membership.(As determined by attendance)

2. The rules for Quorum apply at all monthly HSPC meetings.

3. Alternative voting, (Decision-making) process.

This alternative voting, decision-making process may be used in instances where:

A. An HSPC meeting does not achieve quorum and has a time frame for approval that

culminates prior to the next monthly scheduled meeting.

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B. Reach Dane receives notice, usually from the Regional Office of a new approval action

for the HSPC that is needed prior to the next monthly scheduled meeting.

When a lack of quorum occurs the votes of those present will be added to the votes of the

remaining membership through polling. Members will be contacted by telephone, email or

personal contact. A voting tabulation chart of the polling will reflect the vote of each member

along with the date of the vote.

This information will be shared with the HSPC at their next regularly scheduled meeting and will

be retained as a permanent record with the minutes of the HSPC.

Article 4: Officers

The officers of the organization shall consist of a Chairperson, Co-chairperson, Secretary,

Treasurer, representative to the Reach Dane Board, and a representative to Wisconsin Head Start

Association.

Section A: Duties and Responsibilities of Officers

1. Chairperson

a. Preside over all HSPC meetings.

b. Responsible for developing agenda items with assistance from the staff.

c. To state each counsel motion clearly before the vote takes place.

d. Establishes ad hoc committees to carry out specific assignments as needed.

e. Only votes to break a tie.

2. Co-Chairperson

a. Assumes duties of the Chairperson in the event of his/her absence.

b. Votes on all issues unless assuming the role of Chairperson.

c. Assumes responsibility during the meeting, to assist the Chairperson facilitating

meeting by ensuring proper procedures are followed.

d. Assumes responsibility of all vacant offices until an election can be done.

3. Secretary

a. Records the minutes of each meeting.

b. Keeps a permanent record of actions taken at each meeting.

c. Takes attendance at each meeting and maintains this record.

d. Assists agency staff in revising the HSPC roster.

4. Treasurer

a. Works with DCPC Fiscal Dept. to gain understanding of the HSPC budget.

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b. Works with the DCPC Fiscal department to maintain accurate and permanent

records of the HSPC financial account received and/or spent on fundraising

events.

c. Makes financial reports to the group, of the HSPC financial account.

d. Calls meetings and serves as the chair of the HSPC FINANCE Committee.

5. Representative to the Board of Directors of Reach Dane

a. Attend and actively participate in monthly meetings of the Governing Board of

Directors.

b. Provides monthly report of Board activity to the Head Start Policy Council.

c. Provides a report of HSPC activities to the Governing Board at each meeting.

6. Wisconsin Head Start Association Representative

a. Attends Association and Parent Affiliate meetings.

b. Adequately represents Reach Dane as a Parent Affiliate Representative.

c. Provides written reports to the Policy Council after attending WHSA meetings.

d. Advises Policy Council members of current issues in the Head Start Program.

Section B: Election of Officers

The Officers shall be elected at the first meeting following the annual Policy Council Orientation

of the newly elected HSPC membership. Such officers shall be elected for a term of one (1) year

and shall continue in office. The Secretary position can be held by an appropriate Reach Dane

staff member (currently Family Engagement Manager), or a parent representative. All other

Officer positions will be held by parent representatives.

In the event Officers are elected by special election outside of the first meeting following the

annual policy council orientation, they will serve one (1) year from the date of election and

continue to serve until the first meeting following the next annual policy council orientation.

1. Whenever the position of Chairperson is vacant, the Co-Chairperson shall fill the position.

2. When the position of Co-Chairperson is vacant, the position shall be filled by a special

election.

3. When the position of Secretary is vacant is shall be filled by special election.

4. When the position of Treasurer is vacant it shall be filled by special election.

5. When the position of the Wisconsin Head Start Association Representative becomes vacant a

special election will be held.

6. When the Reach Dane representative to the Board becomes vacant a special election will be

held.

Section C: Special Election

The chairperson or a staff liaison can call a special election. Notice of a special election must be

made 10 days prior to the next scheduled meeting of the HSPC. Any HSPC member has the

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opportunity to run for a vacant position. No position may hold more than one office at a time.

Except in the matter of the Co-Chair, this person fills in until an election can be scheduled.

Section D: Qualifications of Officers

Any nominee for an elected position shall have both an interest in the position and the

ability/responsibility to attend all required meetings. All nominees will make a commitment to

assist in the leadership of HSPC.

Article 5: Committees

Section A: HSPC Committees

1. Executive Committees

2. Personnel and Hiring

3. Finance

4. By-Laws

Membership on these committees will be drawn from the HSPC membership.

Section B: HSPC Representatives to Reach Dane Committees

1. Nutrition Committee

2. School Readiness Committee

3. Parent, Family, and Community Engagement Committee

4. Health Services Advisory Committee

5. Annual Agency Self-Assessment Committees

Representation on these committees will be elected from the HSPC membership.

Section C: Executive Committee:

1. The Executive Committee will consist of all elected officers.

2. Executive Committee member’s responsibility is to attend all regularly scheduled HSPC

meetings and HSPC Executive Committee meetings. (When needed) members will help

conduct and facilitate HSPC meetings.

3. The Executive Committee shall have the right to act on behalf of the HSPC in emergency

situations and motions will be shared with HSPC membership at the following meeting.

4. The Executive Committee has the responsibility to help develop agenda for the upcoming

HSPC meetings with assistance of agency staff.

5. Section C: Ad Hoc Committees

The chairperson may establish such other committees as may be deemed appropriate and shall

recommend membership on these.

Article 6: Meetings

Section A: Regular Monthly Meetings

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Meetings will be held once a month throughout the year, starting with the first meeting of the

newly elected group early in November, and continuing until elected officers are seated the

following year.

Section B: Special Meetings of the Membership

Special meetings may be called by the agency for sharing important information and conducting

business between regularly scheduled meetings.

Section C: Reports and Recommendations

All reports will be made in written form and made available to all HSPC members at least one

(1) week prior to the scheduled meeting. If a meeting occurs within the week of the HSPC

meeting a written report should be brought to the HSPC meeting.

1. Administrative reports including Executive Director, the Financial and Personnel reports

will be submitted through the Staff Liaison and will be turned in as soon as possible

before the desired meeting.

2. The agenda will be prepared by the Executive Committee and sent out one week prior to

the regularly scheduled HSPC meeting.

3. All reports will contain information pertaining to HSPC business and shall be made

available to the membership in written format.

4. Written notice of any meeting will be mailed at least one (1) week prior to the HSPC

meeting.

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Professional Documentation

All Reach Dane staff are responsible for documenting any conversations they have with or about families.

Staff should consider the following general guidelines when documenting their interactions:

1. Remember that all documentation (written and electronic) is a legal record and can be

subpoenaed by a court

2. Documentation is a place of facts and observations, it is not a place for feelings, opinions, or

sarcasm

3. Parents can request to see their child’s master file at any time and review anything you have

written

4. Black is the preferred color for completing documentation because it photocopies well

5. Never erase or scribble out a mistake. Put a single line through any errors followed by your

initials.

6. Empty spaces should be lined out-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

------

What to Document

7. Any substantial contact with a family (home visit, in-person conversation, phone call) that relates

to providing a service, offering a referral, following up on a situation, discussing needs, etc.

8. Indirect contacts made on behalf of a family to in-house or external experts or resources.

Where to Document

Staff should document contacts with or about families in ChildPlus program. A minimum of one

substantial contact per family, per month, and one Home Visit per family, per quarter, or reasonable

attempts, must be documented in ChildPlus and will be reviewed Quarterly by Family Engagements

Managers and/or Family Outreach Supervisor.

Electronic Communication

When emailing about a child or family with another staff member or community agency remember to

send separate emails about each child/family. Remember to communicate about children and families in

email the same way that you would communicate about them in other forms of official documentation.

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Family Services Program Information Report (PIR) Questions

A few things to know about the PIR

The federal government requires us to report each year the number of families that receive certain types

of services. In this report they are not looking at the quality of the work that is done, but the quantity.

Our role as an agency should be to provide the best possible service we can for each family based on their

needs. We are focused on the quality of the services we provide in addition to the quantity.

If a family is referred to a community agency for a service, it can only be counted if they receive a service

from the agency. If they fail to follow-through or are denied participation, it does not count.

Providing an educational presentation (for example at a Family Fun Night) counts as a PIR activity.

Sending a flyer home to every family about a given topic does not count for PIR.

A family can be counted in more than one area provided that they receive a service in each area that we

are counting them.

Family Service Staff are responsible for documenting any PIR services that they provide in the Family

Services Information section of ChildPlus.

A brief explanation of each of the categories that are counted in the PIR

Emergency – this is focused on crisis intervention and meeting immediate needs for food, clothing, or

shelter. Child Plus asks specifically for crisis assistance, food, and clothing

Housing Assistance - assisting a family with locating housing, utilities, eviction prevention

Mental Health – this is focused on helping someone other than the enrolled child access Mental Health

services (parent, sibling, etc.). Mental Health services for the enrolled child is tallied in another part of

the PIR

English as a Second Language – helping a family access a class, tutor, or program so they can learn

English

Adult Education – helping a family access a class, tutor or program so they can complete their GED or

HSED or helping a family enroll in post-high school education (technical college, 4-year degree program)

Job Training – assisting a family in completing a resume, helping a family enroll in a job training

program

Substance Abuse Prevention – sharing information related to the use/abuse of drugs or alcohol

Substance Abuse Treatment – sharing information about treatment for the use/abuse of drugs and

alcohol. Includes providing information regarding AA/NA/AL-ANON

Child Abuse and Neglect Services – services to a family directly related to possible child abuse or

neglect

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Domestic Violence Services – assisting a family in reducing intimate partner violence or leaving an

abusive relationships/living situation

Child Support Assistance – assisting a family in receiving cash funds from the non-custodial parent

Health Education – sharing information with families about health and wellness, including prenatal

education

Assistance to Families with Incarcerated Individuals – helping families access services specifically

related to having an incarcerated member, helping caregivers access services needed while a parent is

incarcerated, sharing information, reports, resources with the incarcerated family members

Parenting Education – information shared with parents about how to improve their parenting skills,

parent-child relationship, etc.

Marriage Education – information shared with families about how to maintain their marriage or helping

families to prepare to enter into marriage. The Office of Head Start recognizes the marriages of both

heterosexual and homosexual couples. Couples who are considered married in any state, are considered

married in every state for the purposes of Head Start.

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Community Partnerships

Head Start serves families within the context of the community and recognizes that many other agencies

and groups work with the same families. Performance Standard 1302.53 states that grantees must take

an active role in community planning to encourage strong communication, cooperation, and the sharing of

information among agencies and their community partners and to improve the delivery of community

services to children and families in accordance with the agency's confidentiality policies. In addition,

grantees must take affirmative steps to establish ongoing collaborative relationships with community

organizations to promote the access of children and families to community services that are responsive to

their needs. Reach Dane staff will collaborate with partners in the community in order to:

provide the highest quality of services to children and families

foster the development of a continuum of family centered services; and

advocate for a community that shows responsibility for the healthy development of children and

families of all cultures.

Expectations of family service staff in the area of Community Partnerships include:

Promote awareness of HS/EHS in the community through day to day contacts and through the

agency’s recruitment plans.

Represent Reach Dane in a positive, supportive, and collaborative manner.

Coordinate all individual FPAs with service providers who have or are working with our families

and children to ensure comprehensive, quality services and to avoid duplication.

Follow-up on referrals to community service providers to ensure the service was received or to

problem-solve/advocate when there are barriers.

Participate as appropriate, with neighborhood based service providers or groups such as Joining

Forces for Families (JFF) teams (e.g., neighborhood / community centers) to refer, coordinate and

develop services for families.

The FE Managers will ensure that information about community resources will be made available to

all direct service staff

As staff identify brochures or mailings that would be useful, they are asked to send an ISR and a

copy of the brochure or mailing to the Family Engagement Mangers requesting the Agency obtain

these brochures or mailings, so they can be distributed to staff and families as appropriate.

Staff members wishing to participate in community work groups or task forces will need to get

approval from the Family Engagement Managers. A copy of minutes or other information from

these meetings must be sent to the FE Managers for agency-wide knowledge and coordination

purposes and kept at the Red Arrow offices for reference.

Staff working with HS/EHS parent groups will encourage parent involvement (as a group or as

individuals) with local resource or action groups for the purpose of advocating for and working on

family support services needed within the community.

The Agency uses a variety of means to survey staff, and families and the community to identify

current needs and issues. Appropriate response or follow-up will be identified and built into the

agency self-assessment and planning process.

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The Head Start Policy Council (HSPC) will recruit key community representatives as members.

(See HSPC bylaws for more information).