Hidalgo County Head Start Program Home

On behalf of the Hidalgo County Commissioners Court and the Head Start Policy Council, I want to welcome you to the 2024-25 School Year. I hope you had a restful and well-deserved summer break. As we start the school year, it is our hope that you are excited and ready to make the investment in our Head Start children and families. Together, we have the capacity to create one of the highest performing Head Start programs in the state that is child and family-centered and is committed to educational excellence that will impact our communities for generations to come.
Our dedicated and committed administrators and administrative support staff are committed to providing our Head Start Campuses with the assistance needed to deliver the highest quality educational experience that we can envision for our children. EXCELLENCE has no finish line – so as we start the new school year, I am asking for each of us to help sustain what will take place every day in the Head Start classrooms. Moreover, the academic and social-emotional experiences that we will provide our children must go hand-in-hand with encouraging and strengthening our Head Start parents and families.
Setting the stage for success is a pledge that our ISD partners have committed to. We are excited as we prepare our children to become kindergarten ready. It is our goal that all our children will develop the skills necessary to become resilient and resourceful learners as they begin their journey from the Head Start classroom to the university classroom.

The Human Resources staff coordinated the yearly Staff Awards and Recognition Luncheon with an "All About Texas" theme. Hats and cowboy boots were part of the dress attire this year with a touch of bandanas! Head Start celebrated staff who reached a milestone period of service that included 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 years of service. Retirees were celebrated for their valuable contribution to the children and families of Head Start and graduates were honored for their achievement to further their education. Guests included representative Jose Cabeza De Vaca for Commissioner David L. Fuentes, PCT 1, representatives Jorge Arcaute and Anibal Resendez for Commissioner Everardo Villarreal, PCT 3, and Commissioner Ellie Torres, PCT 4 with her representative Dr. Culbertson.

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 facilitating the goals and realities of our participants. The service you provide is impactful in improving and sustaining a quality of life for Head Start families.

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce held a "Hats Off to Women of Distinction Dinner & Expo" in honor of 10 RGV women. Our Executive Director Mrs. Irma Peña was named as Education Woman of Distinction for 2024. You have truly excelled in your respective field, embodied excellence, leadership, and innovation. We are so proud of you Mrs. Peña, Congratulations!!!!
Your outstanding achievement and contributions have left an indelible mark.

March is Nutrition Month and some of our Head Start campuses had the opportunity to participate during Nutrition Showcase 2024. The Showcase is a week-long event that engages parents to present and share their favorite healthy recipe(s) with other parents. Campus staff choose a fun theme for parents to display their nutritious meals and snacks. Staff, students, and other parents get to enjoy the delicious meals, and snacks while learning the importance of healthy nutrition. Keeping active and enjoying the outdoors is also encouraged.