Preschool Services Policy Council: Shaping early childhood education

The San Bernardino County Preschool Services Department’s (PSD) Policy Council (PC) is a vital part of our community’s early childhood education system. The PC is comprised primarily of the parents of children currently enrolled in the PSD Head Start and Early Head Start preschool programs, as well as community representatives and educators. The council serves as a collaborative body to influence policy, advocate for the needs of young children and ensure the delivery of high-quality preschool services.

As an advisory body, the PC oversees and provides input on the administration of preschool programs. By including parents of currently enrolled children, the council ensures that families’ voices are at the heart of PSD’s mission. Together, they work to meet families’ needs and align programs with best practices in early childhood education.

PC members are elected by the parents or guardians of children attending each of the county’s Head Start/Early Head Start preschool sites. All parents are encouraged to participate. Anyone in the community is eligible to serve on the PC by submitting an application to PSD.

The work of the PC directly impacts the services PSD provides. Council members review and approve program policies, budgets and funding applications. Their input on the curriculum and program effectiveness ensures that our services not only meet regulatory standards but are also tailored to the unique needs of our diverse community. The involvement of parents and community representatives is essential to creating a responsive educational environment. By participating in discussions and decision-making, the council helps prioritize initiatives that enhance the learning experiences of children, including improving facilities, increasing teacher training and expanding outreach efforts.

Participation in the PC is highly beneficial. For parents, it’s an opportunity to voice concerns, share experiences and advocate for their children’s education. By joining the council, parents become active contributors to their children’s learning journey, gain a platform to influence preschool services in San Bernardino County and help boost their children’s skills and confidence. Community representatives also have a role in offering insights from various sectors like health, social services and education. Their participation promotes a holistic approach to early childhood development and fosters collaboration among agencies serving children and families.

As we look forward to the 2024-2025 program term, we are excited to introduce our new PC members. This diverse group brings fresh perspectives and a wealth of experience. Among the new representatives are dedicated parents actively involved in their children’s education, alongside experienced professionals from the community, all committed to enhancing early childhood services. These members will ensure that families’ voices are heard and that policies reflect the needs of all children in our community. Their dedication to collaboration and advocacy is critical to advancing PSD’s mission.

In addition to our parent representatives, our community members continue to provide valuable insights into the broader landscape of services available to children and families. This united effort aims to strengthen early education programs and ensure that the children in San Bernardino County have access to high-quality preschool services. PSD offers a two-day orientation at the beginning of the PC term to onboard new members and monthly orientations to onboard additional new members. The goal is to achieve representation from all school sites.

Participation in the Policy Council can empower families and strengthen communities by fostering the growth and development of parents as they engage actively in policy decisions. As we welcome the new representatives for the 2024-2025 year, we encourage ongoing participation and engagement in shaping the future of early education in San Bernardino County. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children.

Additional County Update News – November 14, 2024