Hidalgo County Head Start Program Home

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program hosted its annual Staff Awards and Recognition Banquet on Friday, May 30th, at the DoubleTree Suites in McAllen, Texas. This much-anticipated event, thoughtfully organized by the Human Resources Department, celebrated the dedication and accomplishments of its staff. Honorees included employees recognized for their years of service, recent retirees, and team members who achieved significant academic milestones—earning associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degrees. Among those honored was Denisse Barba, who shared, “Grateful to be acknowledged for five amazing years in a truly motivating environment.”
This year’s banquet embraced a vibrant and refreshing theme: “Mediterranean Style.” The venue was beautifully adorned with Italian-inspired décor, featuring cheerful yellow lemons, lush greenery, and rustic touches that evoked the charm of the Mediterranean coast.

On behalf of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program, we want to thank our community partners for providing essential services to our children and families. We are grateful for your expertise in helping us serve the needs and facilitate the goals and realities of our participants. Your service impacts the quality of life for Head Start families.
Our mission is rooted in strengthening our families and communities. We are proud to partner with organizations like yourselves who understand that working on crucial social issues and helping to ensure that every single Head Start child and family is loved and valued, and is recognized for their individuality.
Today’s celebration is a time of gratitude and reflection, a time to recognize your unwavering commitment to your mission, and a time to support each other in our collaborative work. Thank you for supporting every child and allowing them to dream, explore, and pursue whatever they want to become in life. The Community Partnership Appreciation Assembly was held on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Fellowship Baptist Church Hall in Edinburg, TX.

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program held its first Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 Teacher of the Year event. 44 teachers were named Teachers of the Year from Head Start campuses across McAllen, Mission, Edinburg, La Joya, Donna, PSJA, Edcouch-Elsa, Mercedes and Monte Alto ISDs were celebrated April 3rd at the DoubleTree Hotel in McAllen.
Mr. Jose Reyes, a teacher at Seguin Head Start from La Joya ISD was named Pre-K 3 Hidalgo County Head Start Program Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Yvette Solis Benavidez, a teacher at Sam Houston Head Start from McAllen ISD was named Pre-K 4 Hidalgo County Head Start Program Teacher of the Year. Both Mr. Reyes and Mrs. Benavidez won $2,000.00 for themselves and another $2,000 for classroom supplies. They will both be attending the Head Start National Conference in Columbus, Ohio in May.

The Fatherhood Family Wellness Conference was held on February 20th at the Doubletree Suites in McAllen, TX.
Father involvement is essential to parent, family, and community engagement initiatives. The Hidalgo County Head Start program staff are committed to integrating fathers as advocates, lifelong educators, and first teachers to their children. Father figures are crucial for the healthy development of their children as they support and reinforce family wellness. Consequently, Head Start proactively explores resources to enhance and motivate father engagement by focusing on their strengths, interests, and needs, thereby significantly enriching their Head Start communities. It was a cold day, but it did not keep our parents from showing up and participating in the conference. Keynote Speaker: Ricardo Rodriguez, Jr. shared the importance on being a role model for your children. Other sessions presenters included: Ms. Adelita Figueroa-Munoz, Judge Andre Maldonado, Terri Cossio, Alfred Molina, and Tomas Tamez.

The Governance Conference was held October 11-13 at South Padre Island, Tx. The theme for this year was One Team, One Dream. The conference was attended by the Head Start Administration and the newly elected Policy Council Members. Topics presented were: Head Start Overview, Framework of Conference, Importance of Team Building, Head Start Essentials & ERSEA Training, and Head Start Department Overview from Department Officers and Directors. They also learned the roles and responsibilities of the Policy Council, and Governance Structure and Bylaws. The new Policy Council members got the opportunity to network with each other and the Head Start staff.