Harris County Department of Education La Porte Head Start Center located at 927 S. 1^st St. is recruiting students ages 3 to 5 years. The program ensures future success for students both academically and socially and provides comprehensive health, education, nutrition and financial services to the families.

For La Porte Head Start grandparent Amanda Kastl, the HCDE Head Start program is a blessing in a variety of ways. Not only does 4-year-old granddaughter Rayne gain socialization skills and early preparation for elementary school while attending Head Start, but the La Porte family service providers helped Kastl through her most challenging times.

After losing both parents, two brothers and a niece in the span of a couple years, the La Porte Head Start staff became a support system for Kastl and guided her through the steps to get her Texas realtor license when she was struggling emotionally.

“I was maxed out emotionally,” said Kastl, “but the family service providers at La Porte helped me set goals and provided support when I needed it most.”

Grateful for the help Head Start has provided her family, Kastl stays involved in the center through volunteer work, the parent committee and the Head Start Policy Council. She was also integral in creating a safer experience for La Porte students while at school.

After recognizing that the small, two-lane road in front of the center was unsafe for families to drop off and pick up students, she worked with city officials to install school zone signs and “No Parking” signs, and convert the road to a one-way thoroughfare to decrease hazardous traffic.

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

For information about enrollment or locations, call (713) 672-9343. For information about community partnerships or donations, call Armando Rodriguez at (713) 696-2179 or email arodriguez@hcde-texas.org. Visit www.hcde-texas.org for general information about HCDE Head Start and locations.