Description:
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.
Key Responsibilities
Governance & Fiduciary Oversight
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Serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors with fiduciary responsibility for the Head Start program
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Ensure compliance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations
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Review and approve budgets, policies, long range plans, grant applications, and major program initiatives
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Monitor program effectiveness, financial health, and risk management
Program Oversight & Quality Improvement
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Provide informed guidance on early childhood education practices, child development, and school readiness outcomes
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Review data related to child outcomes, classroom quality, family engagement, and staff development
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Support continuous quality improvement efforts and readiness for federal monitoring reviews
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Advocate for developmentally appropriate, trauma informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices
Strategic Planning & Advocacy
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Participate in strategic planning to strengthen early childhood services and community impact
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Serve as an ambassador for Head Start within the community and professional networks
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Support partnerships with schools, community agencies, and families to enhance services
Collaboration & Accountability
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Collaborate with Policy Council members, program leadership, and community stakeholders
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Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest
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Attend and actively participate in scheduled board and committee meetings
Requirements:
Required
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Professional background or demonstrated experience in early childhood education, child development, education leadership, social services, or a related field
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Commitment to the mission and values of Head Start and services for children and families
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Ability to review program data, policies, and financial information
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Strong communication, collaboration, and decision making skills
Preferred
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Experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool programs, or early childhood systems
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Knowledge of compliance, licensing, or quality standards (e.g., curriculum, CLASS, or child outcomes frameworks)
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Prior board service, governance training, or leadership experience
Time Commitment
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Service is voluntary and unpaid
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Attendance at regular board meetings (typically monthly or quarterly)
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Participation in committee work as assigned
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Occasional involvement in strategic planning sessions, trainings, or special events
Term of Service
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Board members typically serve a 5-year term, with eligibility for reappointment per organizational bylaws
Core Competencies
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Child centered and family focused perspective
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Understanding of early childhood development and education quality
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Ethical judgment and accountability
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Strategic and systems level thinking
