Head Start Policy Council

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

Kimberly has lived in Canaan for the past nine years with her husband and four children.  She has had an interest in teaching and nurturing children from a young age and took child development courses in high school which she enjoyed.  Kim wanted to open a daycare but life had different plans, including getting her CNA license, working retail, and babysitting before having a family of her own.  She is excited to be a bigger part of the KVCAP Head Start program by sitting on the Policy Council where she looks forward to learning more about how everything works and to meeting new people.

Bio to come!

Bio to come!

Bio to come!

 

Bio to come!

Mary-Gene is a dedicated mother to eight children through biological, adoptive, and foster relationships. She was an engaged parent at Educare for six years before moving to the Hight Family Early Learning Center in 2025. This is Mary-Gene's fifth year on the Head Start Policy Council. She also sits on the KVCAP board as a Somerset County representative, 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.

Bio to come!

Interested in being a Policy Council Representative for the Hight Center?  Contact your Family Coach!

Bio to come!

Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for the KVCC Early Learning Classroom ?  Contact your Family Coach!

Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for Mill Stream Preschool ?  Contact your Family Coach!

Interested in being the Policy Council Rep for Somerset Preschool?  Contact your Family Coach!

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.

Lauren Fox lives in Mercer with her husband, two children, and their cat, Darwin, and bunny, Rhubarb. Lauren has two children, one of whom recently graduated from Mill Stream Preschool.  She enjoyed her time as a Policy Council Representative for Mill Stream and looks forward to continuing as a Community Representative. Lauren is a member of the MSAD 54 School Board. Professionally, Lauren is the Senior Director of Development and Operations at LIFT Inc., where she leads national partnerships and fundraising efforts that advance economic mobility for families. Before joining LIFT, she worked in the education sector, championing the success of students and schools. Outside of work, Lauren enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and hiking.

Bio to come!

Bio to come!

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 Coach.

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. Parents with children in the program who are not Head Start eligible can also be considered for Community Representatives.  Policy Council must approve all Community Representatives.  If you know of a community member who would like to be considered for the Policy Council, please reach out to your Family Coach.

General Information


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