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Job Description
Board Member - Head Start Program (Early Childhood Education Focus) Lulac Head Start Inc - 3.0 New Haven, CT Job Details Volunteer 4 hours ago Qualifications Committee work Trauma-sensitive practices Overseeing educational regulatory compliance Social service program performance evaluation Academic performance monitoring Family collaboration in education Professional ethics Leadership in social services administration Strategic planning in education Collaboration with board members Student outcome measurement Inclusive leadership practices Social service program quality assurance Head start program experience Decision making Fiduciary duties Child Development Long-term financial planning Participating in conferences Managing budgets as an executive education administrator Continuous quality improvement (CQI) Educational compliance and regulation understanding Social service program compliance monitoring Budget management in education Community advocacy Senior level Risk & issue management Establishing community partnerships in an education administration role Leadership Communication skills
Full Job Description Description:
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
Requirements:
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
