From its inception in 1965, Head Start has actively promoted using volunteers and community resources to expand and improve program operations for the benefit of Head Start children and families. The importance of using these resources has been formally recognized in different Federal policies, such as those requiring programs to:

• Ensure that the third person in the classroom is a volunteer

 

• Have volunteers participate to the fullest extent possible in all program operations

 

• Calculate the value of volunteer time as part of the non-Federal match for Federal monies

 

• Use community resources to provide services to children before spending Federal funds

     Throughout Head Start's history, policies regarding the use of volunteers have been incorporated in various documents affecting program administration, operations, and evaluation. Now, for the first time, these policies are available in one document for use by program managers, volunteer coordinators, other Head Start staff, and Policy Council members. CSR, Incorporated conducted this task under its grant to operate the Region V Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Resource Center. This undertaking reflects the commitment of the National Head Start Bureau to improve the quality of Head Start programs through the use of volunteers and public/private agency partnerships.

     This document is organized into 13 separate sections, each presenting an aspect of volunteer management in the Head Start program. Each section begins with a short commentary, followed by various subsections. Each subsection presents the relevant policy reference(s) on the left side of the page and, opposite that, cites the text from that document. The citations are intended to be sufficiently detailed that reference to the original document is not required.

     This collection of existing policy does not attempt to interpret or offer suggestions for implementation. Such information is provided in the concurrently published "A Handbook for Volunteer Coordinators in Head Start." The handbook has been prepared to assist programs in (a) developing well-organized and active volunteer programs that will increase opportunities for children and their families; (b) creating a positive image of Head Start within the community; and (c) conforming to Head Start Performance Standards and maintaining high-quality programs.
 

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