Even as it pushes forward into the 2025-2026 school year, Head Start capped the previous year by celebrating some of its biggest supporters while planting a seed for the future.

“Advocate. Advocate. Advocate.”

That was the message at the end-of-year meeting for Head Start’s Policy Council, a group of Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) parents and community members who help lead and make decisions about the program. Council members are elected by Head Start parents and can serve up to five years, working closely with division and campus leadership to provide the overall direction for Head Start.

Most begin on their respective center’s parent committee.

“The more parents are involved and understand how the program works, and the more they volunteer, the more successful the program becomes, and the success shows that it’s a program worth funding,” said Da Jasha Davis, council representative for Baytown Head Start.

At the request of the Policy Council, Head Start published a special summer newsletter edition for all division parents. Featuring the word “Advocate” across the top of the front page, the newsletter showcased parent testimonials focused on the impact of Head Start on their children and ways to advocate for the division over the summer.

The Policy Council’s May meeting was a celebration of members who volunteered their time, effort and talent to further the mission of Head Start but serve as a reminder about the vital role Head Start plays in the lives of families and communities.

“Without Policy Council, we couldn’t apply for grants,” Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock said to council representatives, division staff and administrators in attendance. “Thank you for showing up and for your support.”

Davis joined fellow council representatives Olga Contreras (Channelview), Adriana Serrano (Compton) and Chacara Gibson (J.D. Walker) in being honored for perfect attendance. Jentoria Wade and Gabriela Murillo Velasquez (Coolwood) were recognized for attending nearly all meetings.

“Being on Policy Council has given me a broader aspect on education,” Gibson said. “I’ve learned about funding and how Head Start operates and who it serves. When you see a child go through Head Start, it’s a great advantage.”

The Policy Council meets on the third Thursday of the month. Childcare and dinner are provided, and mileage is reimbursed.

As the governing body, the Head Start Policy Council makes decisions about everything from budgets and staffing to policy and procedures.

Representatives and alternates serve as the liaisons for their campuses and the council, attending monthly meetings and reporting back to their respective campus parent committees.

Contreras said her year on Policy Council was a positive learning experience and an opportunity to get to know parents and administrators.

“I like being a spokesperson and sharing information,” she said.

Avery Spranger, HCDE’s civic engagement coordinator, routinely speaks with and encourages Head Start parents to speak up and advocate for their students and centers.

“Parents have a very important perspective,” Spranger said. “They are using the programs that legislators don’t generally use. Share your story no matter how basic. It’s important.”