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The Hidalgo County Head Start Program welcomed parent leaders to its annual Parent Leadership Conference held on September 26th. The conference brought together parent representatives from each Head Start Academy for a day of learning, leadership development, and civic participation as they took part in the election of the 2026-2027 Policy Council.

The event highlighted the vital role parents play in shaping the success of the Head Start program. Through interactive training sessions led by Family Services staff, participants gained valuable insight into the responsibilities of Policy Council members and the important role the council serves in guiding program policies, supporting quality services, and representing the voices of families.

Administrative staff also joined the conference to support and encourage parent leaders as they prepared to take on their new responsibilities. Executive Director Irma Peña welcomed attendees and expressed appreciation for their dedication to family engagement and their commitment to serving as advocates for children and families throughout Hidalgo County.

The newly elected Policy Council members will work collaboratively with Head Start leadership to help ensure the program continues to meet the needs of children and families while upholding the mission of providing high-quality early childhood education and comprehensive support services.

2026-2027 Policy Council Representatives
Area I: Rosa Guerrero
Area II: Elisa Loera
Area III: Alma Sanchez
Area IV: Ana Maldonado
Area V: Ana Laura Salazar
Area VI: Israel Ruiz

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program congratulates these parent leaders and thanks all conference participants for their dedication to strengthening family engagement and helping build brighter futures for the children and families we serve. Through their leadership and commitment, these representatives will play an important role in ensuring that parent voices remain at the heart of Head Start decision-making.

The Parent Leadership conference was held at the DoubleTree Suites in McAllen.

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program proudly welcomed hundreds of staff members to the UTRGV Performing Arts Building on August 3-4 for its Annual Training, officially launching the 2026-2027 school year. Guided by the Head Start Recognition Program of Excellence framework, the two-day event brought together employees from across the program to learn, reconnect, and strengthen their commitment to providing exceptional services to children and families throughout Hidalgo County.

The celebration began with HCHSP's Parade of Academies, featuring an energetic performance by the McAllen High School Mighty Bulldog Drumline that set an inspiring tone for the event. Staff members also enjoyed outstanding cultural presentations by Raíces de Oro from Thigpen-Zavala Elementary and the award-winning Mariachi Azteca from Rowe High School, showcasing the rich talent and traditions of our local school communities.

A memorable highlight of the training was a keynote presentation by Kevin Carnes, retired President of Lakeshore Learning Materials and longtime advocate for Head Start and early childhood education. His message challenged and encouraged staff to continue making a lasting impact through their dedication to educational excellence and service.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in professional development sessions designed to strengthen knowledge, foster growth, and reinforce the program's mission. As the new school year begins, HCHSP staff remain united in their commitment to excellence, ensuring every child and family receives the highest quality support and opportunities for success.

Thank you to all of our Network Partners who joined us to share valuable resources and information with our Family Service Workers (FSWs)!

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program remains committed to building strong community partnerships that help connect children and families to essential services and support systems throughout our region. Through our regular Network Meetings, local agencies and organizations have the opportunity to engage directly with FSWs, ensuring they are equipped with up-to-date information and resources to better serve the families enrolled in our program.

Family Service Workers play a vital role in supporting family well-being by helping families access healthcare, housing assistance, food resources, public benefits, educational opportunities, and other community services. They also assist families in setting goals, overcoming challenges, and strengthening family stability, while supporting Head Start and Early Head Start recruitment, enrollment, and family engagement efforts.

On September 3, 2026, Hidalgo County Head Start hosted a Network Meeting at Edinburg First United Methodist Church in Edinburg, Texas. The event provided an opportunity for community partners and FSWs to collaborate, exchange information, and strengthen the network of support available to local families. Together, we are creating meaningful connections, empowering families, and building stronger pathways to success for the children and communities we serve.

On Friday, May 29, the Hidalgo County Head Start Program’s Human Resources Department hosted its annual Staff Awards Luncheon, a special event dedicated to honoring the commitment, dedication, and years of service of its valued employees.
The annual luncheon recognizes staff members who have reached significant service milestones, beginning at five years and continuing through 35 years of service. Each year, the celebration also highlights a particularly meaningful group—employees who are retiring after devoting many years to serving children, families, and the community through the Head Start Program.
This year, heartfelt recognition was given to three retirees whose years of service have made a lasting impact. Amelia R. Perez of Chapa Head Start was honored for an impressive 31 years of service. Elisa A. Rivera from Mercedes Early Learning Head Start was recognized for her 24 years of dedication, and Hotensia Gonzalez from the Donna Kitchen was celebrated for her 11 years of service. Their contributions reflect a deep commitment to the mission of Head Start and the families it serves.
The luncheon brought together staff members, Hidalgo County Commissioners, and Policy Council members, all joining in the celebration to recognize and applaud the honorees. Their presence underscored the importance of the program’s workforce and the strong partnerships that support its success.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, this year’s theme was Mardi Gras. The venue was transformed with vibrant décor featuring colorful masks, feathers, and lively accents reminiscent of a New Orleans celebration. Guests enjoyed the sounds of jazz music playing in the background, creating an energetic and joyful environment throughout the event.
The combination of recognition, celebration, and fellowship made the luncheon a memorable occasion for all in attendance. Most importantly, the event served as a reminder of the dedication and passion of Hidalgo County Head Start staff, whose everyday efforts help create positive outcomes for children and families across the community.

The event was held at the DoubleTree Suites by Hilton in McAllen, TX.

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program, in proud partnership with Donna Independent School District (ISD), hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, May 18, to celebrate the grand opening of the new Donna Early Head Start Academy. A transformative early learning facility dedicated to supporting children and families during the most critical stages of development.
The ceremony took place at the Donna Early Head Start Academy, located at 1402 S. Silver Ave. in Donna, where community members, educators, and local leaders gathered to commemorate this significant milestone.

The Donna Early Head Start Academy is designed to serve infants as young as six weeks old through children up to three years of age, while also providing comprehensive services for pregnant teens. The campus will offer high-quality early childhood education, health and wellness support, family engagement opportunities, and wraparound services to eligible families within Donna ISD.
This milestone follows the awarding of an Early Head Start Grant in January 2026 and represents a major expansion of Hidalgo County Head Start’s commitment to increasing access to quality early childhood education across the region.
“The opening of the Donna Early Head Start Academy represents an investment in the future of our children, families, and community,” said Irma Peña, Executive Director of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program. “By providing high-quality early education and support services from the very beginning, we are helping lay the foundation for lifelong success.”

The academy operates under the leadership of Irma Peña, Executive Director; Sonia Casas, Early Head Start Director; and Sandra Salinas, Campus Director of the Donna Early Head Start Academy.