Board Member - Head Start Program; Early Childhood Education Focus

Purpose of the Role

The Head Start Board Member plays a critical role in providing governance, oversight, and strategic guidance to ensure the program fulfills its mission of promoting school readiness and supporting the healthy development of children from low-income families.

Board members who have a background in early childhood bring valuable subject matter expertise that strengthens the program’s delivery of high-quality education, family engagement, and child development services, while ensuring compliance with Head Start Performance Standards.

This is a volunteer position that requires a commitment to active participation. Board members are expected to attend a minimum of eight meetings per year. There may also be opportunities for travel, both in-state and out-of-state, to participate in conferences and professional development activities.

• Serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors with fiduciary responsibility for the Head Start program
• Ensure compliance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
• Review and approve budgets, policies, long range plans, grant applications, and major program initiatives
• Monitor program effectiveness, financial health, and risk management

• Provide informed guidance on early childhood education practices, child development, and school readiness outcomes
• Review data related to child outcomes, classroom quality, family engagement, and staff development
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts and readiness for federal monitoring reviews
• Advocate for developmentally appropriate, trauma informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices

• Participate in strategic planning to strengthen early childhood services and community impact
• Serve as an ambassador for Head Start within the community and professional networks
• Support partnerships with schools, community agencies, and families to enhance services

• Collaborate with Policy Council members, program leadership, and community stakeholders
• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled board and committee meetings

• Professional background or demonstrated experience in early childhood education, child development, education leadership, social services, or a related field
• Commitment to the mission and values of Head Start and services for children and families
• Ability to review program data, policies, and financial information
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision making skills

• Experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool programs, or early childhood systems
• Knowledge of compliance, licensing, or quality standards (e.g., curriculum, CLASS, or child outcomes frameworks)
• Prior board service, governance training, or leadership experience

• Service is voluntary and unpaid
• Attendance at regular board meetings (typically monthly or quarterly)
• Participation in committee work as assigned
• Occasional involvement in strategic planning sessions, trainings, or special events

• Board members typically serve a 5-year term, with eligibility for reappointment per organizational bylaws

• Child centered and family focused perspective
• Understanding of early childhood development and education quality
• Ethical judgment and accountability
• Strategic and systems level thinking