Parents Elected to Serve on 2026-2027 Head Start Policy Council

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.