LCC Head Start/EHS/ECEAP believes that engaging families is one of the most important aspects of the program. We respect parents/guardians, recognize that they are the first and most important teachers in their child's life, and are responsible for their child's well-being. Our family engagement program incorporates social and learning opportunities for parents and their children. By centering our program on the essential pieces of an early learning partner, we provide a holistic program that encompasses education, health, parent engagement and social services.
The family engagement program endeavors to:
- Invite families to participate in decision making and goal setting for their child
- Engage parents in a two-conversation, sharing resources and encouraging active participation in the program
- We provide learning activities for the home to promote school readiness and encourage families to create a learning environment in their own home
- We invite parents/guardians to take part in program level decisions at Policy Council, program committees, and wider advocacy efforts for Head Start/EHS/ECEAP in regards to their family and development of their child(ren).
Policy Council at Lower Columbia College Head Start/EHS/ECEAP
The Policy Council is a collaborative group of elected parents and community representatives who oversee and enhance our programs. They work together to plan, evaluate, and make recommendations to the Lower Columbia College Board of Trustees for funding applications and program policies.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Approve Staff Hires: The Policy Council approves staff hires to ensure our team meets the nees of children and families.
- Recommend Program Budget Use: They play a vital role in recommending how the program budget should be utilized effectively.
- Ensure Program Excellence: The Council ensures that our program services consistently meet the needs of children an families.
Meeting Schedule
- Regular Meetings: Held on the fourth Monday of each month, except July, August, and December.
- Special Meetings: Called by the Executive Committee or due to holidays falling on regular meeting dates.
- Executive Committee: Meets monthly year-round to administer ongoing business.
Access Meeting Minutes
Policy Council meeting minutes are available on the Parent Board at each of our centers.
Get Involved
Interested in becoming a member of the Policy Council or learning more? Contact Head Start/EHS/ECEAP staff for more information.
Health Links
- Benefits check-up, child development information and information on child health at your fingertips
- Cowlitz County Health and Human Services
- CPR/First Aid
- Food Handler's Card
- Immunizations - Birth to 6 years of age - Washington State Department of Health
- Medicaid - Washington State Health Care Authority
- Washington State Department of Health
Other Useful Links
- Benefits and programs available to families in Washington State
- Birth Certificate
- Community Resources
- Cowlitz and Wahkiakum County Resources
- Homeless Services
- Photo Identification/Driver's License
- Resources on how to be an engaged father, co-parenting tips and more!
- Head Start/ECEAP Parent Handbook
- Head Start/ECEAP Parent Handbook - Spanish
- Early Head Start Parent Handbook
- Early Head Start Parent Handbook - Spanish
School Readiness Links
- Dolly Parton Imagination Library
- Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework
- A guide to what children should know and do in five central development domains from birth to age 5.
- Sesame Street and Communities
- Vroom
- Vroom Tips™ help you do more with your shared moments. Add learning to mealtime, bath time, bedtime, or anytime with 1000+ fun, free activities.
- Free, science-based tips and tools help parents and caregivers give children a great start in life today. This is a website and free app that parents and caregivers can access activities to do with their child.
- Washington State Early Learning Development Guidelines
- Zero to Three
Mental Health
At Lower Columbia College Head Start/EHS/ECEAP we help families and staff support children's social/emotional health and development. One of the ways we do this in our program is through the Social Emotional Support Services Program led by Licensed Infant and Child Mental Health Specialists. Our goal is to provide early identification and intervention for social and emotional needs so that children can be school ready.
Social-Emotional/Community Mental Health Resources
Crisis Services
Community Mental Health Service Providers Working with Children/Families
- CARES - (360) 353-9606
- Columbia Wellness - (360) 423-0203
- Community Integrated Health Services - (360) 261-6930
- Core Health - (360) 200-5419
- Counseling Services & Associates - (360) 577-8871
- Cowlitz Tribe - (360) 575-8275
- PeaceHealth Behavioral Health - (360) 414-2236
- Perinatal Support Washington - 1 (888) 404-7763
- Seamar - (360) 261-7020
Social Emotional-Mental Health Online Resources
- Conscious Discipline (articles for families)
- Conscious Discipline (Discipline Tips)
- Conscious Discipline (free for all)
- Conscious Discipline (Shubert's Home)
- National Institute of Mental Health
- SAHMSA Parents and Families
School Routines - Separating from Parents
Transitions can often be difficult for young children. They don't automatically know how to understand or handle the Big feelings that may come with Hello and Goodbye times in routines. Families may also find themselves looking for some support at these times as well or searching for some ideas in supporting their child. In our program we have many opportunities to help children practice learning the skills to handle these parts of routines while they continue to build strong relationships. We have some ideas for how we can be helpful together and look forward to building on these ideas together with our families. (See - Ways to Say Goodbye-English and Ways to Say Goodbye-Spanish)