We welcome and value volunteers year-round at Gadsden/Etowah County Head Start/Early Head Start. Volunteers play a vital role in supporting our classrooms, events, and daily operations. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, community member, or student seeking service hours, your time and talents can make a meaningful impact in the lives of young children. Join us in helping create positive early learning experiences that build strong foundations for lifelong success.
At Gadsden/Etowah County Head Start/Early Head Start, we believe in the power of community to transform lives—especially in the early years, when children are growing, learning, and forming the foundation for lifelong success. Our program is committed to providing enriching, developmentally appropriate experiences that support school readiness, and volunteers play a vital role in making this mission a reality.
Volunteering with us is a meaningful way to make a direct and lasting impact in the life of a child. Whether you’re reading a book, lending a helping hand in the classroom, or supporting special events and activities, your time and presence can make a world of difference. We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, and we are happy to work with your availability—whether you can give an hour, a day, or ongoing support throughout the year. There is no minimum time commitment, and every contribution is valued.
When you volunteer with Head Start, you become part of a team that is dedicated to building brighter futures for children and families in our community. Your time, your care, and your willingness to get involved help us create a nurturing, supportive environment where every child can thrive.
We offer a wide variety of volunteer roles to match the unique skills and interests of our community members. Whether you prefer working directly with children, helping behind the scenes, or contributing a professional skill, your time and support are always appreciated. Some of the key volunteer opportunities include:
- Classroom Volunteers
Join us in creating a warm, supportive learning environment for our children. Volunteers can assist with a range of activities such as greeting children at arrival, helping teachers with daily lessons, reading aloud, listening to and mentoring students, supporting art projects, playing musical instruments, assisting during meals, and supervising outdoor playtime. - Facilities and Maintenance Volunteers
Help us keep our sites safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. Volunteers in this area may assist with general site upkeep, landscaping, groundskeeping, or painting projects. With multiple classrooms and buildings in use daily, there’s always a need for helping hands on various improvement tasks. - Food Preparation Volunteers
Support our nutrition program by assisting with the preparation, serving, and cleanup of family-style meals. Volunteers also help distribute weekly food bags and model healthy eating habits for children. Please note: All kitchen volunteers must complete a physical exam and TB test prior to participation. - Health Committee Members
Our Health Committee meets three times a year to review the well-being of the children in our care. Members assist in planning health-related events and learning about the screenings and services we provide. It’s a great way to be involved in promoting wellness throughout our program. - Specialty Volunteers
Do you have a trade, skill, or area of expertise you’d like to share? Whether you’re a licensed professional, a hobbyist, or simply someone with a helpful heart, we welcome contributions in specialty areas. From plumbers and painters to musicians and STEM professionals, your talents can enhance our program in meaningful ways.
Policy Council
What is Policy Council?
In partnership with the Gadsden Progress Council Board of Directors, the Policy Council serves as a key governing body of the Gadsden/Etowah County Head Start program. This shared governance structure ensures that both community voices and parent perspectives are central to the decision-making process.
The Policy Council is composed of 51% current Head Start parents or guardians and 49% community representatives. Parent members are elected by their peers within each classroom to serve as either Primary or Alternate representatives. These elected individuals receive training on the Head Start Performance Standards and are well-informed of their roles and responsibilities as Council members.
In addition to attending monthly meetings, Policy Council members have the opportunity to serve on specialized sub-committees such as Planning, Finance, and Personnel. Through their involvement, members help shape program goals, monitor progress, and provide guidance on key areas impacting children and families. This collaborative leadership model ensures that our program remains responsive, inclusive, and driven by the needs of the community it serves.
Meetings:
The Policy Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. in the auditorium at the J. W. Stewart site. These regular meetings provide members with a structured opportunity to discuss program updates, review policies, and make important decisions that guide the direction of Gadsden/Etowah County Head Start. All representatives are encouraged to attend consistently and actively participate to ensure that the voices of families and the community are heard and reflected in program planning.