Hidalgo County Head Start Program Home

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.

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program recently hosted the Community Partners Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the Fellowship Baptist Church Hall, to recognize and thank the community partners who play a vital role in supporting children and families. The program acknowledges the continued collaboration of UTRGV; Hidalgo County WIC Program; Region One Education Service Center; Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service; local ISDs including Donna, Edinburg, La Joya, McAllen, Mercedes, Mission, Monte Alto, and PSJA; Behavioral Health Solutions; the Child Care Program; Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Department; Workforce Solutions; Ashley Pediatric Day & Night Clinic; Dr. Orfanos Pediatric Clinic; Texas Department of State Health Services; Salma Psychotherapy; Child Advocacy Center – Easter Seals; and Justice of the Peace Precinct 4, Place 2.

Through these meaningful partnerships, Head Start continues its commitment to strengthening families and communities. Together, these organizations help address critical social needs and ensure that every Head Start child and family is recognized, supported, and valued for who they are.

The Hidalgo County Head Start Program proudly celebrated its educators during the 2nd Annual Teacher of the Year Banquet, held Thursday, April 9, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in McAllen, Texas. The event recognized 27 outstanding Teacher of the Year nominees representing Pre-K 3 and Pre-K 4 classrooms from Head Start campuses across the county.
Head Start Administration, Department Directors, Campus Directors, Principals, and Superintendents were among the distinguished guests in attendance, showing strong support for early childhood education. During the evening, one teacher from each category was honored as Teacher of the Year for the 2025–2026 school year. Nubia Ruiz from Edinburg North Head Start received the Pre-K 4 Teacher of the Year award. She was awarded a $2,000 check and will attend the National Head Start Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Hidalgo County Head Start Program was proudly selected as one of only 11 programs nationwide to receive the Program of Excellence designation in 2025. This prestigious recognition reflects the program’s ongoing commitment to high-quality early childhood education, professional growth, and positive outcomes for children and families. Our teachers exemplify excellence in the classroom every day, and their dedication, innovation, and passion continue to elevate the program. As representatives of this honor, our educators showcase the strength, quality, and impact of the Hidalgo County Head Start Program at the local, state, and national levels.