Parents of young children were the guests of honor as LACOE recognized the 2024-25 Head Start Policy Council on Thursday, November 13, 2025. The Los Angeles County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Debra Duardo, celebrated members for their efforts on the Policy Council. Acknowledging that they had seized the opportunity to find their voice, model dedication for their children and advocate for the most vulnerable families in our communities, she remarked, “It feels good to see parents empowered.”

The Policy Council consists of parents of infants, toddlers and preschoolers elected by their peers in Head Start programs across the county, as well as representatives of local community partners. It plays a key role in setting the direction of LACOE’s Head Start program through shared decision-making with the L.A. County Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education.

“It has been thrilling to watch this group of parents grow month after month,” said Chief Education Officer Dr. Maricela Ramirez. “As they lift their voices and raise awareness, their active engagement not only improves their own children’s education but also helps to improve circumstances for all children in our communities.”

Members were honored with certificates for outstanding attendance and subcommittee participation as well as special awards for Friendliest, Helping Hand and Most Inspirational, as voted by their peers. Executive Committee members were recognized for sharing firsthand accounts of the transformative power of early education with their elected representatives, both during excursions to Sacramento and Washington, D.C., as well as during lawmaker visits to their children’s classrooms.

In one of the highlights of the event, three parents from the Policy Council shared heartfelt testimonials. Sergeant-at-Arms Mayra Thibault reflected, in Spanish, “I am here with you because someone believed in me,” and as a result, “I am a new empowered woman.” Sainairia Parker acknowledged it takes a great deal of trust to send young children to school, but knowing her children’s Head Start teachers, she feels so comfortable whenever they are there. Chairperson Leishay Bachler credited staff for their “patience, encouragement and genuine care,” noting that her experience has made her a “better mother, stronger advocate and more grounded human being.”

“What a pleasure it's been to engage with our 2024-25 Policy Council. Each month they bring such challenging questions and a great passion for serving children and families,” said LACOE Head Start and Early Learning Division Executive Director Luis Bautista. “I hope that they will all continue to advocate for their children, and all children, in elementary school and beyond.”

The 2025-26 Policy Council, consisting of members elected from each of LACOE’s 16 Head Start delegate agencies, will convene in early December. For more on LACOE’s Head Start and Early Learning programs, please visit prekkid.org.