Head Start Services
The Hidalgo County Head Start Program believes that every child regardless of their family’s socioeconomic disadvantages, can reach their full potential.
The County of Hidalgo was awarded a Head Start grant in 1980 from the Department of Health and Human Services to provide comprehensive education, disability, health, nutrition, family, and mental health services to children ages 3-5. Over the last 4 decades, the program has evolved and is constantly adapting ― using evidence-based practices and teaching techniques that provides a safe and nurturing environment while promoting the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development in young children. We collaborate with 9 local Independent School Districts that allows us to expand and increase services which supports school readiness initiatives. The Hidalgo County Head Start Program is now the largest Head Start Program in the state of Texas.
The Head Start Child
Children who enter Head Start are considered at-risk. Some experience homelessness, being in foster care, having disabilities and/or living in poverty. The Head Start Program receives federal funds to meet children’s needs by providing high-quality classrooms that supports healthy development and effective child development learning opportunities.
The Head Start Family
Head Start supports families facing difficult circumstances who seek to alleviate obstacles that they face every day. Head Start is focused on helping families who are struggling with poverty and other socioeconomic challenges to achieve their goals for education, employment, and housing.
Head Start Services
Head Start takes a comprehensive approach to meeting the needs of young children and their families. There are four major components to Head Start:
- Education: Certified Teachers provide a variety of learning experiences to help children grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally. The classroom staff are provided with support by Campus Directors and professional staff who are skilled in researched-based practices.
- Health: Professional staff such as Counselors, Coordinators, Social Workers, Nurses, and Dieticians provide health services such as immunizations, dental, medical, and mental health, and nutritional services, and early identification of disability concerns.
- Parent Involvement: Parents are involved in the planning and implementation of activities. Parents serve on the Policy Council and Parent Committees; participate in classes and workshops on child development; and volunteer in the program.
- Social Services: Social Workers and Family Services Workers provide outreach to families to determine what services they need and provide comprehensive case-management.
The Advantages of Head Start
The advantage for children participating in Head Start allows them to thrive in a safe, stable, and nurturing space, and it helps families lead to a path toward success in school, in work, and in life.