Good things come to those who wait, and the adage proved true as Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) welcomed the community on Jan. 16 to celebrate the grand opening of its new Coolwood Early Head Start and Head Start campus at a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.  

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“This building is a miracle that is finally coming to fruition, and it will be a great gift to the children of this area,” said Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock during her opening remarks. “It has been a long time coming, but we are looking forward to the services HCDE and Head Start will be able to provide for our children and their families.” 

The site has been out of commission since 2017, when flooding from Hurricane Harvey rendered the location unsafe. Texas Health and Human Services (HHS) representatives encouraged division leaders to attend a training course and apply for disaster relief funding.  

That’s where Peacock and HCDE Construction Director Joe Carreon dreamed up a site where children could connect, develop a love for the outdoors and explore the endless possibilities of their future.  

“The original blueprint for this building came to us as we listened to them talking about all the elements a new building needed,” recalled Peacock. “We sat at the table and drew up an initial outline of this building on a napkin.”  

From a flimsy piece of paper to a structured building, more than 100 Department leaders, partners and community members gathered in the center’s lobby for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event featured remarks by Superintendent James Colbert Jr., Peacock and the campus Policy Council Representative Jentoria Wade.  

“The first facility that I toured as the superintendent was Coolwood and it was two portable buildings that were stuck together,” said Colbert. “Replacing this facility has always been a priority for me and it’s because of our parents and board members that we have this new beautiful facility.” 

Located in the heart of the North Shore community, the nearly 14,000-square-foot facility features six classrooms accommodating up to 120 students and a state-of-the-art kitchen to help provide nutritious breakfasts and lunches. Healthy meals are one of the program’s cornerstones and are provided daily at all campuses.   

The campus incorporates a mix of energy-efficient lighting and various woods, paying homage to the wonder of nature and what children can learn about the outside world. Trees play a significant role in the theme as students can visit the library, which houses a replica of a real oak tree, where they can discover literature in English and Spanish. Floor-to-ceiling wooden trees are just outside classrooms, storing toys and additional literature.  

“When kids walk up those stairs, and they see this grand facade, it’s overwhelming, and it’s exciting to know that they’re going to be on a campus with endless possibilities,” said Carreon. “These kids will remember this facility as where their education started, which will impact their future.”  

Early Head Start and Head Start students can connect during recess as the courtyard connects the two wings—an essential feature for leaders during the design process. The curriculum will help young learners explore botany as classes transform the area into an edible garden, which serves as a healthy food education hub. The garden will allow students and their families to access healthy, fresh produce grown by them. 

“This campus is a flagship for what the Office of Head Start desires for our children,” said Peacock. “Just because our children are from a lower socioeconomic status, it doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve the very best education has to offer. Creating a building like this means something different to everyone, but for HCDE, it’s the standard.”   

However, creating the expectation for a national program doesn’t come without its challenges.  

Shortly after securing disaster relief funding and gaining design approval from HCDE leaders, the coronavirus pandemic began to impact building supply shipments and prices. The move caused severe delays and budget impacts.  

By the summer of 2024, the center was nearly complete and ready to welcome students in August when high winds from Hurricane Beryl ripped the roof off and flooded parts of the building.  

“It was devastating, but fast-forward six months, and here we are, ready to open the school,” exclaimed Carreon.  

Added an emotional Peacock: “I think this is one of the most monumental things in my early childhood career. I don’t think I’ve ever been a part of something that makes me this proud to be in early care and education. I’m a Head Start student, and I’ve always been very proud of that and working for Head Start, but if I had a bucket list, this would be on my list, and I’m overjoyed.”  

When students walk onto the campus on the first day of classes, Peacock and Carreon plan to be among the many people welcoming them with open arms.  

“I have a personal connection with these kids through the SuperMENtors program, and I’ve watched them blossom as we talk about different storybooks,” he said. “I’ve been showing them pictures of the school, and they’re super excited! Being a part of something bigger than yourself means a lot to me.” 

Following the official ribbon-cutting, guests were invited to tour the new facility, absorbing the beauty of the design and new instructional tools. They also had the opportunity to speak with Coolwood educators.  

“Oftentimes, we get it done, and then we move on, but the celebration is an important part of life,” Peacock explained. “This ribbon cutting allows us joy and time to appreciate what it took to get us to this point. I also think it’s a way to show our parents and families that no matter what HCDE faces, we will push through those challenges to provide for them and their kids.”  

To learn more about HCDE Head Start, visit hcde-texas.org/head-start.