Classroom and Community Volunteers
Please note: All volunteers are asked to complete a form before volunteering in a school. Principals shall take appropriate measures to determine the identity and background of any person before allowing that person to serve as a volunteer for the school. (SCPS School Board Policy IICC)

Our program aims to provide our children and families with positive opportunities and experiences. Your talents, skills, time, and knowledge are needed and appreciated. Our program offers a variety of opportunities for parents, extended family, and community members to volunteer.

Volunteering can promote the parent-child relationship and help you reinforce your child’s learning at home. You and adult family members are always welcome in the classroom. Many classroom and program activities allow you to participate in your child’s education. 

Volunteers and staff will respect and promote your child's and family's uniqueness and refrain from stereotyping based on identity, gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, or disability.

Volunteers and staff will follow program confidentiality policies regarding information about children, families, and other staff members. No child will be left alone or unsupervised while in Head Start, and no child will be left alone with a volunteer unless the volunteer is a family member.

Volunteers will receive orientation and training to prepare them to assist with class activities. These orientation and training sessions will be offered throughout the year. Volunteers will be given a Head Start Volunteer Handbook and must sign the Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities Form.

Volunteers are asked to sign in and out and list their volunteer hours. This helps the program track our in-kind donations required for the federal funding Head Start receives.

Non Enrolled Children
Parents are encouraged to volunteer in the classroom without bringing younger siblings. This allows the parent quality time to participate in activities with their Head Start child. However, if siblings come to the classroom, parents must provide direct supervision for the siblings. Siblings are expected to follow and obey all school rules and procedures.

Parent supervision of all siblings is important for everyone's safety. Parent supervision is especially important for younger children, as classroom materials are age-appropriate for four-year-olds but may not be for younger children. In addition to safety, parent supervision also enables Head Start teachers to attend to the educational needs of the enrolled Head Start children.

Siblings are encouraged to attend Family Nights and special events, and parents are responsible for providing direct supervision at all times.

Policy Council
The Policy Council is a shared governance board regarding program operations, budgets, and procedures. Policy Council members also serve as a link to Parent Committees in communicating with parents enrolled in the Head Start program.

Policy Council members operate as the voice for the parents who have children currently enrolled in the program. The Policy Council comprises no less than 51% of current Head Start parents, and the remaining members are community representatives.  A parent and an alternate member are elected from each class and meet once a month.  Policy Council members receive training on their roles and responsibilities.

Please talk to your child’s teacher or Family Service Worker to learn more about serving on the Policy Council.

Parent Committees
Parent Committees or Parent and Child Together (PACT) are organized at the center or classroom level. Every parent with a currently enrolled child is a member of the Parent Committee.  Activities for the Parent Committee include:

 • Working with the Policy Council to support overall program operations
• Identifying parent interests and assisting with planning activities for parents
 • Offering the opportunity to participate in monthly planning
 • Identifying volunteer and community resources that are available to help families
• Collaborating with local foundations and other organizations to advocate on behalf of families

Advisory Committees
Parent Advisory Committees are designed to ensure that our program meets Head Start Performance Standards. Committees include parents and community members interested in different components of the Head Start program. SCPS Head Start is committed to providing a program that meets the needs of families in our community. To ensure that Head Start meets its goals for working with your children, we encourage you to join an Advisory Committee.  Talk to your child’s Family Service Worker to become an active participant.

Parents as Educational Partners
SCPS Head Start offers workshops, training, and learning opportunities for families.  Various sessions are presented in collaboration with community agencies.  Various sessions are offered to accommodate family schedules during the day and evening. Topics may include:

 • How Young Children Learn
 • Family Style Meals
 • Nutrition
 • Budgeting and Financial Management 
 • Positive Parenting and Behavioral  Management 
 • Dental Health Care
 • First Aid and CPR 
 • Mental Health 

Family Nights
SCPS Head Start offers family nights based on various themes. During these nights, families, children, and staff share a meal, engage in activities, and take a family photo.

Male Involvement
SCPS Head Start also offers Dad's Night Out, where father figures and/or male role models interact with their children for activities and a meal. Father figures also have time to meet with a male mentor to discuss topics of their choice.