Head Start Governance Toolkit Description:

A strong Governance System is built on clear processes, adherence to requirements, and development of positive relationships between management and Governing Bodies, which are essential to support compliance, continuous improvement and innovation.

This on-demand, virtual series will educate participants about the roles and responsibilities of Governing bodies including requirements and regulations and provide participants with the required Governing Body training in an overview of the Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) and in HSPPS’s eligibility, selection and enrollment requirements. Additionally, because many Grantees go beyond minimum requirements to achieve continuous improvement in their Governance systems, this series will include a discussion of operational best practices of Policy Councils and strategies to elevate Policy Council members and families as leaders in your organization.

This series is ideal for Policy Council and Governing Body members, as well as staff who design and/or support Governance systems and operations. The on-demand series is divided into several small sections, allowing programs to incorporate them into their meeting structure and pace. All series materials (including a short training and recruitment video, slides, references, and polls to keep participants engaged) are included.

The Toolkit Includes:
Over 150 minutes of Wisconsin Head Start Governance Content-

• Video 1 – Roles in HS Governance
• Video 2 – Governing Body Overview (A Deeper Dive)
• Video 3 – Operational Best Practices
• Video 4 – Resources and Review

Content Areas:

HS Leadership Positions, Desired Outcomes, Guiding Regulations, Leadership Duties & Responsibilities, Parent Committees, Monitoring Goals, Impasse Procedures, Eligibility, Best Practices, Record Keeping, Decision Making, And More!

Many Additional Resources:

Regulations Specific to Governance, Historical Perspectives, Insights into Roberts Rules & Meeting Decorum, Nonprofit Resources, Insight from WHSA collaborative partners: ACF, ECLKC & Early Childhood National Centers, And More! A 5-minute Policy Council Promotional Training Video – Great for parent election events!

VIDEO CONTENT PROVIDED BY:

Katharine Mason is a management consultant and trainer who has dedicated her 30 year career to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and their families. With this passion as her foundation Katharine provides consultation and training services to Head Start administrators and Governing Bodies that support data-driven decision making, continuous improvement and compliance in a strategic, innovative and inclusive manner.

Katharine holds a master’s degree in public administration focusing in Management and Organizational Change, is a graduate of the Johnson & Johnson Head Start Management Fellowship program, and has over a decade of experience as a senior leader at a large and innovative Head Start program. As a result of knowledge gained from these experiences, Katharine provides comprehensive support to Early Care and Education and Family Support programs to develop Strategic Plans, redesign administrative and procedural systems, prepare proposals, conduct internal assessments, and become ready for compliance reviews. She is experienced in project management and establishing community collaborations to meet and enhance program outcomes. She is knowledgeable of Head Start Performance Standards and California Title V and XXII regulations and has supported grantees in creating systems and policies that are compliant across all regulations.