What is Policy Council?
Policy Council consists of selected classroom parents/caregivers from all centers and acts as a governing body for Head Start. The Policy Council members help plan and develop program goals, approve various policies, as well as approve budget and work plans. By seeking ways to enrich their child’s experience in Head Start, parents/caregivers also learn about nutrition, budget management, and the various concepts of child development and child rearing. Whether or not you are a representative, all parents have an open invitation to attend Policy Council meetings. Monthly meetings are scheduled November through October.
Current Policy Council Representatives
Canaan Preschool
Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for KVCC ? Contact your Family Coach!
Educare Central Maine: Mary-Gene Rumery, Chair, KVCAP Board Liaison
Mary-Gene is a dedicated mother to eight children through biological, adoptive, and foster relationships. She has been an engaged parent at Educare for six years, including a four year membership on the Head Start Policy Council. Mary-Gene sits on the KVCAP board both as a liaison and a Somerset County representative. She also represents the parent perspective on the New England Head Start Association board and is a Maine State Parent Ambassador Alumni. Passionate about parent advocacy and engagement, Mary-Gene welcomes and encourages communication from fellow parents as she works to elevate parent voices and ensure they have a seat at every table.
Educare Central Maine: Lauren Lancaster
Bio to come!
Educare Central Maine: Karrie Breton, Vice-Chair
Karrie Breton is a Maine State Parent Ambassador and stay at home mother. While advocating for early intervention services for her son, she became passionate about finding a solution for long waitlists and expanding access to services. Karrie is also the Vice-Chair of the KVCAP Policy Council, where she is able to collaborate with other parents, share ideas, and keep discussions going on how to better support children. Karrie believes when children have the proper support in place, they are able to learn and grow with more confidence.
Educare Central Maine: Tabetha Thomas
Bio to Come!
HomeStart: Cearra Cater
Bio to Come!
Kennebec Valley Community College
Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for KVCC ? Contact your Family Coach!
Mill Stream Preschool: Lauren Fox
Bio to Come!
North Elementary Preschool: Shaunda Cunningham
Bio to Come!
North Elementary Preschool
Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for North Elementary Preschool? Contact your Family Coach!
Skowhegan Early Head Start
Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for Skowhegan Early Head Start? Contact your Family Coach!
Somerset Preschool
Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for Somerset Preschool? Contact your Family Coach!
Community Rep: Tram Martin
Bio to Come!
Community Rep: John Massey
Bio to Come!
Community Rep: Ryan Riopell
Bio to Come!
Community Rep: Ryan Savery
Bio to Come!
How do I become a member of Policy Council?
Parent Representation – Each program has a Center Parent Committee. Parent representatives for Policy Council will be elected from the respective center parent committees prior to the November Policy Council meeting. Parent representatives must have child(ren) enrolled in KVCAP’s Head Start program. If you are interested, please reach out to your Family Services Coordinator.
Community Representation – Any parent or staff person can submit to the Policy Council names of representatives of major agencies and/or community, civic, or professional organizations, which have a concern for children, and who can contribute to the program as community representatives on the council. Policy Council must approve such representation. If you know of a community member who would like to be considered for the Policy Council, please reach out to your Family Services Coordinator.
General Information
