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 

• Serve as a voting member of the Board of Directors with fiduciary responsibility for the Head Start program 
• Ensure compliance with the Head Start Act, Head Start Performance Standards, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations 
• Review and approve budgets, policies, long range plans, grant applications, and major program initiatives 
• Monitor program effectiveness, financial health, and risk management 

Program Oversight & Quality Improvement 

• Provide informed guidance on early childhood education practices, child development, and school readiness outcomes 
• Review data related to child outcomes, classroom quality, family engagement, and staff development 
• Support continuous quality improvement efforts and readiness for federal monitoring reviews 
• Advocate for developmentally appropriate, trauma informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive practices 

Strategic Planning & Advocacy 

• Participate in strategic planning to strengthen early childhood services and community impact 
• Serve as an ambassador for Head Start within the community and professional networks 
• Support partnerships with schools, community agencies, and families to enhance services 

Collaboration & Accountability 

• Collaborate with Policy Council members, program leadership, and community stakeholders 
• Maintain ethical standards, confidentiality, and avoidance of conflicts of interest 
• Attend and actively participate in scheduled board and committee meetings

Required 

• Professional background or demonstrated experience in early childhood education, child development, education leadership, social services, or a related field 
• Commitment to the mission and values of Head Start and services for children and families 
• Ability to review program data, policies, and financial information 
• Strong communication, collaboration, and decision making skills 

Preferred 

• Experience with Head Start, Early Head Start, preschool programs, or early childhood systems 
• Knowledge of compliance, licensing, or quality standards (e.g., curriculum, CLASS, or child outcomes frameworks) 
• Prior board service, governance training, or leadership experience 

Time Commitment 

• Service is voluntary and unpaid
• Attendance at regular board meetings (typically monthly or quarterly) 
• Participation in committee work as assigned 
• Occasional involvement in strategic planning sessions, trainings, or special events 

Term of Service 

• Board members typically serve a 5-year term, with eligibility for reappointment per organizational bylaws 

Core Competencies 

• Child centered and family focused perspective 
• Understanding of early childhood development and education quality 
• Ethical judgment and accountability 
• Strategic and systems level thinking