Hidalgo County Head Start Program Home

Father involvement plays a vital role in strengthening parent, family, and community partnerships. At the Hidalgo County Head Start Program, we are committed to empowering fathers as advocates, lifelong educators, and their children’s first teachers. Our team continues to offer meaningful resources that support fathers’ strengths, interests, and needs, encouraging active participation and enriching the Head Start community.
A highlight of this event was the presence of distinguished guests who helped make the day especially impactful. Precinct IV Commissioner Ellie Torres joined us and delivered a message on the importance of the conference and the essential role fathers play in early childhood development.
We were also honored to welcome keynote speaker Fernando Castillo, Donna ISD School Board Member, who shared an inspiring message centered on leadership, engagement, and family success.
In addition, an exceptional lineup of presenters contributed greatly to the day’s learning and conversation:
Ms. Adelita F. Muñoz (Emeritus), retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agent;
Mr. Tomas “Tom” Tamez, Parent and Family Engagement and McKinney-Vento Director; Mr. Miguel Chuca, Region One Administrator with Assessment Analytics, Library Services, STEM, Instructional Technology, and Distance Learning, and Dr. Jasmine Gowarty, M.D., Medical Oncologist and Hematologist at Texas Oncology in McAllen. Their expertise and collaboration, combined with the support of Commissioner Torres highlighted the significance of father engagement and the strong community spirit that continues to uplift our Head Start families.

The conference was held on Friday, February 27th at the Doubletree Hotel in Mcallen, TX.

The Governance Leadership Conference was held February 13–15, 2026, at South Padre Island, bringing together a dynamic group of Head Start Administration leaders and newly elected Policy Council members.
This year’s inspiring theme, “Children First, Always,” set the tone for a vibrant three-day learning experience. Attendees participated in a variety of workshops and presentations, including Head Start Overview, Conference Framework, Team-Building Strategies, Head Start Essentials & ERSEA Training, and detailed departmental overviews led by program and department directors.
Throughout the conference, members received important training on the roles and responsibilities of the Policy Council, as well as the Governance Structure and Bylaws that guide the program.
Beyond the sessions, the event also offered meaningful opportunities for new Policy Council members to connect, collaborate, and engage with Head Start staff, strengthening communication, leadership, and unity across the program.

January 21 marked an exciting milestone for the Hidalgo County Head Start Program as the Early Head Start classrooms officially opened their doors in Donna, San Juan, and Mission. This long awaited first day brought joy, anticipation, and a renewed commitment to serving our youngest learners.
The Early Head Start program provides high quality early childhood services at no cost to families, supporting children from birth to three years old. Through nurturing environments, developmentally appropriate experiences, and strong family partnerships, the program is designed to build a solid foundation during the most critical years of growth.
The launch of this initiative has been a collaborative effort months in the making. Ms. Irma Peña, Executive Director, and Ms. Sonia Casas, Early Head Start Director, along with dedicated administration and staff, have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. Their leadership and commitment ensured that classrooms were fully prepared, teachers were trained, and families were welcomed with care and enthusiasm.
The atmosphere on the first day was filled with excitement as parents toured classrooms, teachers greeted new students, and the community witnessed the beginning of a program that will make a lasting impact on local families. The successful opening of Early Head Start reflects the program’s mission to expand opportunities and strengthen early childhood education throughout Hidalgo County.

On January 22, 2026, the Hidalgo County Head Start Program welcomed staff from the Cameron County Niños Incorporated Program for a guided walkthrough of the newly established Guzman Head Start Academy. Ms. Irma Peña, Executive Director of Hidalgo County Head Start, greeted David Kowalski, Executive Director of Niños Inc., and Erie Tejada, Deputy Director.
Guzman Head Start Academy is the first facility of its kind in Hidalgo County. Through a strong partnership with Donna ISD, the program successfully renovated and prepared 16 classrooms dedicated to serving Pre K 3 and Pre K 4 students. Dr. Rolinda Park, administrator at Guzman Academy, led the tour and showcased the campus’ instructional spaces, specialized areas, and learning environments.
A multidisciplinary team from Hidalgo County Head Start including staff from Procurement, Family Services, Finance, Human Resources, Health, Compliance, Education, and IT, joined the walkthrough to share program insights, operational strategies, and best practices.
Niños Inc. is exploring a similar model as they continue working to expand early childhood education services for families in Cameron County. The visit offered a valuable opportunity to exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration in support of young learners across the region.

On January 8, 2026, the Hidalgo County Head Start Program, along with Donna ISD, proudly celebrated the ribbon-cutting for the Wing Inauguration at D. Singleterry Elementary. The new wing will be used for Pre K 3 and 4-year-olds enrolled in the Head Start Academy.
The classrooms are equipped with developmentally appropriate learning areas designed to support early childhood growth and exploration. Each room includes child-sized furniture, vibrant learning centers, and hands on materials that encourage creativity, independence, and foundational academic skills. Classrooms feature Reading Centers with books, storytelling props, and early writing tools. Math Stations that contain materials, pattern blocks, number games, puzzles, building sets, and hands on resources that support early math concepts. Science and Discovery Areas filled with sensory bins, nature materials, magnets, magnifying glasses, and simple science tools that spark curiosity. Creative Arts Stations stocked with crayons, paint, clay, markers, easels, and craft supplies to encourage self-expression through art and imaginative play.
There is also Play Centers designed with real life role play items to support social-emotional growth and cooperation. Included are Block and Construction Areas featuring wooden blocks, soft blocks, vehicles, and accessories that promote problem solving and motor development. Lastly, Technology Integration through age appropriate digital tools and interactive learning software that enhance instruction and provide additional learning support.

The event was held at Singleterry Elementary located at 9113 N. Val Verde Rd. in Donna, TX.