Family Engagement

Families and community engagement is essential for our programs because it stretches our funds and ensures accountability in the use of federal funds. It also encourages a collaborative partnership between staff, families, and local communities to support children’s development effectively.

Ways to Be Involved:

1. Be a part of the Head Start programs' Leadership: Join the Policy Council

Policy Council is our governing body that guide the direction of York County Head Start programs!

As a Policy Council representative of your child’s classroom, you will have the opportunity to actively participate in shaping the Program’s direction, ensuring that we are meeting the needs of children, families, and Program requirements when you share ideas for your classroom, home activities, the Program in general, and so much more.

Learn more about the Policy Council and the value of your participation.

2. Share ideas and feedback about your child's classroom at Family Linkz

Family Linkz meetings are monthly meetings for parents to connect with parents on the Policy Council and other parents/guardians. The hour-long meetings are Center-based, which means you will meet with parents with children in both Early Head Start and Head Start Pre-K classrooms.

Family Linkz allows for higher transparency and accountability of our work while also giving you opportunity to:

    • Meet other parents;
    • Share ideas, thoughts, and feedback about the Program;
    • Give input on the curriculum;
    • Plan activities for your child(ren) and their classroom;
    • Plan activities for your family and community;
    • Hear Policy Council and other updates.

3. Attend classroom Family Engagement Events

Family Engagement events are fun activities and gatherings that occur throughout the year that provide you with an opportunity to actively engage in your child’s learning while making connections with other families and staff.

Fatherhood Engagement

Once a month our “Fatherhood Engagement” group meets for a fun male caregiver-focused event in the community. These events are free and set up to nurture relationships between fathers and their children.

4. Volunteer

Many of our staff began their career as parent volunteers, later transitioning to different positions as employees.

Talk to your Family Liaison or Teacher on how you can volunteer – once a month or every week – every volunteer hour supports the programs, staff, and most of all – the children!

5. Support reaching our In-Kind goals

Head Start programs receive 80% of their funding from the Federal Government. The remaining 20% must come from In-Kind contributions provided by families and the community.

In-Kind contributions include goods, services, or volunteer time that support the Program’s operations and enhance children’s educational experiences. This requirement fosters community engagement, stretches program funds, and ensures accountability in the use of federal funds. It also encourages a collaborative partnership between Head Start programs, families, and local communities to support children’s development effectively.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like more information, please contact our Family Engagement & ERSEA Manager at 207-432-3961 or email them .