Parent Involvement Policy Questions Raised at Parent Involvement Institute
Richard H. Johnson, Chief Social Services, Parent Involvement Branch, Program Support Division, Head Start Bureau

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Participants at the Head Start National Parent Involvement Institute had an opportunity to raise a number of frequently asked questions about Head Start parent involvement policy, especially policies related to the decision-making process in Head Start programs and involving grantee Boards of Directors, Policy Councils/Committees, and staff. These questions were addressed by Douglas Klafehn, Acting Associate Commissioner, Head Start Bureau, and Rick Johnson, Chief, Social Services and Parent Involvement Branch, Head Start Bureau, during Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings as part of the Policy Sessions.

Some of the most frequently asked questions, accompanied by their corresponding answers, include:

Question: Is Transmittal Notice 70.2, Sec. B-2-The Parents, in the Appendix of the Head Start Performance Standards, considered part of the Performance Standards? And does it carry the weight of law?

Answer: The answer to both questions is yes. This Appendix sets forth policy governing the involvement of parents of Head Start children: "...in the development, conduct, and overall program direction at the local level." And 70.2 does carry the weight of law.

Question: Can a grantee or delegate agency place representatives of the community, including agency Board members, on Head Start policy groups without approval by elected parent members of the policy group?

Answer: No. (See TN-70.2, Pg. 4, Parag. 2)

Question: Are occasional substitutes in Head Start classrooms who are parents of Head Start-enrolled children, prohibited from serving on policy groups?

Answer: Yes. They cannot serve on policy groups, but they can serve on center/classroom committees. Paid substitutes are considered staff, and as such, cannot serve on policy groups; it would be considered a conflict of interest. No staff member of the applicant or delegate agencies shall serve on policy groups in a voting capacity. (See TN-70.2, Pg. 5, Parag. 1, #4)

Question: Why can parents only serve three years on policy groups?

Answer: Current regulations (TN-70.2, Pg. 4, Parag. 5, #3), state that "...it is important that the membership of policy groups be rotated to assure a regular influx of new ideas into the program. For this purpose, terms of membership must be limited to no more than three years."

Question: Does a grantee or delegate agency Board member who is appointed to a policy group serve as a voting member of that policy group?

Answer: Policy Council/Committee bylaws will determine whether or not this person has voting rights as a policy group member.

Question: Can parents be mandated to participate or volunteer?

Answer: No. While parents cannot be mandated to participate or volunteer in Head Start programs, staff should encourage them to find ways to participate be cause of the benefits to their children and family. Head Start is a voluntary program.

Question: Can grandparents of Head Start children serve on the Policy Council if they are not the legal guardians of the children?

Answer: Yes. Grandparents who are not the legal guardians can serve on the Policy Council if they are the primary caregivers or surrogate parents.

Question: Does the Policy Council need to approve the hiring of the Head Start Director?

Answer: The Policy Council or Policy Committee must approve the hiring and termination of all Head Start staff, including the Head Start Director. (See TN-70.2, Pg. 14, III, (a), (b), (c) and (d).)

Question: What is the true definition of an impasse, and what is the Regional Office's role in impasse situations?

Answer: An "impasse" is a deadlock which occurs when a grantee or delegate agency and its policy group cannot reach agreement on a proposed action, which can affect the operation of a Head Start program. Such impasses are resolved at the local program level to avoid disruption of services to Head Start children and families, or placing the program in jeopardy. Head Start agencies should have a well defined impasse policy to resolve Policy Group/Board conflicts and disputes. This policy must be approved by the Regional Office.

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