Building power with people
Involving parents & guardians as leaders
Parents and caregivers are an integral part of our Children and Family Services programs. Their involvement as a guardian and leader helps strengthen outcomes for children and families. Parents and Guardians with enrolled children can be elected to the Parent Leadership Council (PLC). Members of the PLC share in the decision making for the program, encourage parent and guardian involvement from others, and keep those at our centers informed about CFS activities.
As council members, participants attend a council orientation and monthly meetings where they discuss parent and community needs, program priorities, activities, funding, and program expenditures. The program, as our blog states, generates leaders who help to lead.
Recently, the Parent Leadership Council:
- Strengthened their shared understanding of reports that inform data-driven decision-making
- Provided critical input and approval for the agency’s Head Start grant re-application and employee handbook
- Submitted updates to Children and Family Services policies for Board of Director approval, including re-aligning classroom health practices with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention