Head Start

Semcac Head Start

What is the Policy Council?

The Policy Council is a group (also called the “Governing Body”) that helps guide and make important decisions for our Head Start program. It is the official “parent voice” in how the program is run.

Who is on the Policy Council?

The Policy Council is made up of:

Parents or guardians of currently enrolled children
These members are elected by other parents to represent their site or classroom.

Community Representatives
These may include:

  • Former Head Start parents
  • Community partners
  • School board members or other local representatives

Community members are chosen and approved by the Policy Council to serve.

Why is the Policy Council important?

By serving on the Policy Council, parents and community members work together to:

  • Share ideas
  • Give feedback
  • Help make decisions that support our children and families

It’s a powerful way for parents to be involved and help shape the future of the program!

Why does Policy Council exist?

The Policy Council exists so parents have a strong voice in how the Head Start program is run. Since Head Start is built to support children and families, it’s important that parents help guide big decisions.

The federal Head Start Program requires every program to have a Policy Council because:

✅ Parents know what families need
✅ Parent input leads to better services
✅ Families should help shape decisions that affect their children

What does the Policy Council do?

The Policy Council works in collaboration with the Head Start Director to help guide important decisions for the program. Parents and community members on the council:

✅ Review and approve major program plans (like the budget, hiring of key staff, and program goals)
✅ Give feedback on services such as education, health, transportation, and family support
✅ Share ideas and concerns from families at their site
✅ Help plan parent and family activities
✅ Work with staff to improve the program

In short, the Policy Council makes sure that parent voices are heard and that the program continues to meet the needs of children and families.

Policy Council is the Head Start parents’ voice in major program decisions, including such things as recruitment, selection of children, personnel policies, budgets, and funding proposals. Head Start Performance Standards require that every Head Start program has an active Policy Council.

PC Training (required of all new PC Reps):   Head Start Leadership and Governance Training: Values, Regulations, and Skills | ECLKC (hhs.gov)

Policy Council Meeting Documents

Click here for meeting documents and information:
Policy Council Padlet

Resources

Policy Council Training

FAQs

Pregnant women and families with children from birth to 4 years of age.

Semcac Head Start offers Center-based and Home-based programs. Both options of the Semcac Head Start program promote development of skills that children need to be healthy, successful learners. We know that young children need to have experiences with language development, literacy, math, science, creative arts, social/emotional development, physical/health development and satisfaction in learning new things. Healthy habits and self-help skills are emphasized as well.

Classroom-based Option

Children attend a half-day (3.5 hour) or a full day (7 or 8 hour day, depending on location) program at a licensed center four days per week from September to May.

  • Children are provided hands on learning activities that prepare them for kindergarten.
  • Teachers and parents work together to evaluate and plan for the children’s learning.
  • Parents participate by volunteering in the classroom, being a part of the program governance or working on other activities.
  • Families are supported with medical, dental and nutrition services to promote healthy living.
  • Parents are given support to strengthen families and achieve goals through community connections.

A nutritious breakfast or lunch and a snack are provided under the U.S. Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, Semcac Head Start is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, D.C. 202050-9410, or call 1-800-795-3272 or 1-202-720-6382 (TTY). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Home-based Option – Home Visits

This program reaches families expecting a baby and/or children birth-three years. Services are offered year round with a home –based educator coming to your home for 1.5 hours a week.

  • Home-based educator supports the parent in his/her role as their child’s teacher.
  • Parent, with assistance from the Educator, develops activities to meet the individual needs of their child(ren).
  • Home visitor helps parents understand how daily routines and activities, things in the home and resources in the community can be used as learning activities for the whole family.
  • Families are supported with Head Start comprehensive services (health, family support, etc.)

Center Socializations are offered every 2 weeks for 90 minutes. These provide opportunities for families to get together to form friendships and support systems. Children play together in activities designed by Educator and parent. Nutritious meals and education also provided.

Semcac Head Start staff will notify families within two weeks after a complete application is received. If after four weeks the family has not received notification, please call our toll-free number 866-808-0260 x 1146.

Eligibility criteria are based primarily on the family income and the child’s age as well as whether a child has a disability. Indicators of a child and/or family at-risk, such as single parent family, a parent with special needs, referrals from social services or public health, and living in a location that would prevent them from experiencing pre-school, will be considered. The criteria define the children/ families who will be given priority for recruitment and selection. Each year the criteria is reviewed with parents in the program and, if needed, updates are completed with their input.

The degree to which a family falls below poverty is rated. Income eligibility is determined according to the Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Guidelines released each year in January. At least 10% of the total number of enrollment opportunities will be made available to children with disabilities. Disabilities must be documented.

Your child will be put on a waiting list and will be considered as space becomes available. Children on the list will be ranked based on their original eligibility rating.

  • Research-based curriculum
  • Individualized education,
  • Inclusive services for children with differing abilities,
  • health and nutrition information including nutritious meals and snacks,
  • Referrals to community resources,
  • Volunteering opportunities,
  • Collaboration with public school districts.

We have Head Start Centers in Austin, Spring Grove, Kasson, LaCrescent, Lanesboro/Eagle Bluff, LeRoy,  Owatonna, St. Charles and Winona.  We also have Early Head Start Centers in Austin and Winona (for ages 2-3 years). And, home-based Early Head Start is offered in Fillmore, Houston, Mower and Winona Counties.

New sites could be offered at additional locations depending on the volume of interested applicants.

Applications are accepted year round.  Interested families are encouraged to apply early because openings fill quickly. Call your local Semcac Contact Center for more assistance and to obtain your Head Start application.

Our staff is ready to help you with these few steps:

  1. Complete a simple application. You may print the application or fill it out directly on our website.  (This does not guarantee your child’s enrollment; see directions.)
  2. Verify your income status.
  3. Confirm your child has the required immunizations.
  4. If needed, document the special needs of your child.

Our priority is to serve families who meet federal income guidelines.

Call your local Semcac Contact Center/ Semcac office located in your county.

Semcac Head Start no longer provides transportation. Some communities utilize public transportation to assist. Please speak with the team member assisting you with your application if this is of interest to you.