The 2019-2020 Policy Council held its first official meeting on Tuesday November 12. Thirty people attended, including a visit by Rep. Lively who shared the state’s commitment to early childhood education. Judy Newman, Executive Director EC CARES and Bess Day, Education Director United Way asked the group about needs and barriers to accessing and obtaining childcare. Some comments are:
~ Make the classroom very family oriented with photos covering the walls. Children feel comfortable when it feels like home.
~ I look for one on one attention for my children. I don’t want him forgotten during transition times or if other children have more needs.
~ Childcare is needed in the evening for professional development and hours that match work schedule. Parents are working rotating shifts and hours are longer.
~ Sick childcare so I can go to work. I don’t have PTO to use.
~ I can’t make financial gains when safety nets are removed (food stamp/ medical / etc.)
~ More collaboration with other agencies that offer transportation to pick up /drop off HS kids too.
This information will be used as part of the Student Success Act education regional section planning process.
Kerry Holmes shared the 2018-19 child outcomes report. This report gives parents a better idea of what kind of data is collected, why and how we use the information.
Policy Council has reviewed a new Visitor Code of Conduct policy. They will review it again in December for final approval. This policy deals with adult poor behaviors while on Head Start grounds and potential outcomes from these actions.
A new Safety policy was approved. This talks about wearing Head Start identification badges, doors being kept locked, signing in and out, etc. The policy is online under admin policies.
Policy Council Officers were elected. Congratulations to:
Chair – Tiffany S – B St parent
Vice – Jordan M – Whiteaker parent. Jordan will also on the Board of Directors as the PC-Board Liaison
Treasurer – Jessica L – Whiteaker parent
Historian – Michelle D – Whiteaker parent
Parlimentarian – Sabrena G – Ross Lane
Secretary – Open. Election rolls over to the December meeting.
The next meeting is Tuesday December 10.
