Knowledge is the foundation of every great leader, and data shows that people have a higher chance of success when educated early. That’s why the morning session of the Leadership Houston Education Day on March 7 focused on early childhood learning.   

The morning event, hosted by Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) and the Education Foundation of Harris County, welcomed more than 60 leaders from area organizations to increase dialogue about civic challenges and foster collaboration on projects that will improve the quality of life for Houstonians. HCDE Trustee Andrea Duhon, a member of this year’s Leadership Houston cohort, was among those in attendance.  

Superintendent James Colbert Jr. welcomed the cohort to the Irvington Conference Center and provided insights into the Department’s Head Start program, which serves north and east Harris County’s youngest learners.  

Danielle Bartz, HCDE’s chief of staff, moderated a panel that included Head Start Senior Director Venetia Peacock; Claudia Macias, assistant director of Brain Builders at The Hackett Center for Mental Health; Maka Thomas, program officer at The Powell Foundation; and Kathy Jahn, superintendent of curriculum & instruction at Alief Independent School District.  

Entitled “Student Success Begins with Early Childhood Education,” panelists shared best practices for starting new programs, encouraging parents to get involved in their child’s education, identifying which programs follow approved curriculum and more.