Head Start is a Federal program for preschool children from low-income families. The Head start program is operated by local non-profit organizations in almost every county in the country.

Children who attend Head Start participate in a variety of educational activities. They also receive free medical and dental care, have healthy meals and snacks, and enjoy playing indoors and outdoors in a safe setting.

Policy Council is the formal structure of program governance that provides parents and other community representatives with the authority and opportunity to participate in shared decision making concerning program design and implementation. Each agency has only one council and may consist of delegate agencies that will have a Policy Committee.