Harris County Department of Education Head Start Baytown Centers are recruiting students ages 6 weeks to 3 years old for Early Head Start and ages 3 to 5 for Head Start. The Early Head Start Center is located at 1319 N. Pruett St. and the Head Start center at 1725 N. Pruett St. These programs ensure future success for students both academically and socially and provide comprehensive health, education, nutrition and financial services to the families.

Tiana Toliver, parent to current Baytown Head Start student Hannah, credits the HCDE Head Start program for changing her life back in 2011. After leaving an abusive marriage, and not sure what to do next, Toliver enrolled her oldest child in Head Start and found she excelled in the classroom. While her daughter was attending Head Start, Toliver obtained a certificate in medical coding and billing to support her family.

Since 2011, Toliver has had three children attend Head Start and has seen the benefits it provides.

“Both of my daughters that moved on to elementary school are currently on the honor roll in Goose Creek CISD,” said Toliver. “I believe that is a result of the knowledge and support they received from the teachers in HCDE’s Head Start program.”

HCDE provides services through 15 Head Start centers located in northeast Harris County. Additional locations include J.D. Walker, Pugh, Fonwood, La Porte, Humble, Fifth Ward, Channelview, Compton, Coolwood, Dogan, Barrett Station, San Jacinto, Sheffield and Tidwell.

Photo: Baytown parent Tiana Toliver stands with daughter, Hannah.

For information about enrollment or locations, call (713) 672-9343 or visit www.hcde-texas.org/headstart.