Governance
Parents and families of Head Start children have many opportunities to become involved and stay engaged in Clayton Educare, and in their children’s education and future. Research shows that children whose parents are involved in their education do better in school. Getting involved also prepares parents to be active once their children enter elementary school, middle school and high school. Schools need parent and family involvement to succeed just as much as children do.
Parents and family members are always welcome in the classroom. The program also supports parents in creating a learning environment at home that builds on classroom learning.
Head Start recognizesparents and families as strong supporters of their children and encourages their involvement as their children’s advocates. Some of the ways parents support their children include:
- Attending Head Start staff/parent meetings
- Attending training to learn their rights and responsibilities related to their children’s education in school
- Getting involved in decisions about their children’s education by learning to communicate with teachers and other school staff
- Serving on a Head Start committee, such as the Policy Council or Health Services Advisory Council
- Learning how to participate in developing an Individualized Education Plan for their children with special needs
- Learning how to tell their personal stories effectively in front of public officials, school officials and others who can influence how education and other programs for children operate
Parents who are effective advocates for their children are involved in their children's education and their lives. And such involvement is what it takes to be a great and successful parent!
Policy Council is a significant opportunity for parents and staff to partner in advancing Clayton Educare’s vision of a seamless prenatal-to-5 system through shared governance. The Clayton Educare Policy Council jointly oversees both the Head Start and Early Head Start programs through planning, program improvement, and administrative and decision-making activities.
The Council is comprised of twelve members elected by their peers in the fall of each year. Three members are parents of children presently enrolled in the Early Head Start program; three are parents of children enrolled in the Head Start program; three represent expansion options; and three are community representatives. The Council meets the first Thursday of each month from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Translation services, childcare, transportation and meals are provided to facilitate parent participation.
All Clayton Educare parents are eligible and encouraged to participate on the Parent Committee. The Parent Committee plans, coordinates and organizes program activities designed to engage and support parents. The Parent Committee meets quarterly to conduct business and hear from speakers on topics of interest. Parent-elected officers conduct the business portion of the meetings.
The Personnel Committee is a standing committee of the Policy Council that supports the program by participating in staff interviews, and providing input and support for personnel decisions as outlined in the Head Start Performance Standards.
The Health Services Advisory Committee performs a critical role in meeting the health needs of Head Start children. The committee includes parents, professionals and other volunteers from the community. The committee meets quarterly and serves as an advisory committee, an advocacy body, and a resource for health education and training.
Clayton Educare contracts with Denver’s Great Kids Head Start to provide comprehensive Head Start services to eligible children ages 3 to 5 years old and their families as a delegate agency. Denver’s Great Kids Head Start embraces parents, delegate agencies and community members as integral partners in its governance structure through the Head Start Policy Council. Denver’s Great Kids Head Start complies with all federal and City and County of Denver regulations related to governance. Its Governing Board is comprised of the Mayor, City Council, the Auditor, Career Services Authority and Manager of Finance.
Parent members of Policy Council are encouraged to participate in training opportunities to expand their leadership skills, including attendance at national and local conferences. The Clayton Educare Personnel Committee and Clayton Educare staff review and select appropriate conferences, training and workshops. A calendar of conferences is available by clicking the attached link.
