Summer is officially over, as Head Start, School-Based Therapy Services and Special Schools professionals returned to the office for new staff orientation and professional development ahead of the 2025-2026 academic year.  

Head Start welcomed new staff on Aug. 5. Division leaders informed the group about Harris County Department of Education’s (HCDE) workplace culture and provided insight into its early childhood education practices. Staff also participated in team-building exercises and learned classroom management strategies that promote a safe, interactive learning environment.  

Nearly 200 occupational (OT), physical (PT) and music therapists (MT) in School-Based Therapy Services gathered Aug. 5-7 to review legal and licensure updates that ensure staff and student safety when providing therapeutic services across Harris County districts. Senior Director Carie Crabb encouraged a rejuvenated staff to share best practices with others before returning to their districts. At the same time, Superintendent James Colbert Jr. recalled his experience as a special education student and thanked employees for advocating for those with unique challenges.  

“I didn’t have many advocates growing up, but look at where special education is now, it’s at the forefront,” Colbert said. “They now have people who advocate, promote, support and love students who used to be forgotten about. That’s what our therapists do for Harris County students, and that’s why I love you.”  

On Aug. 6-7, nearly a dozen new teachers participated in a boot camp designed to provide the necessary tools and resources for success at HCDE’s Special Schools. The group explored behavior intervention strategies, reward systems and classroom management techniques to create positive, supportive relationships with students. Teachers also learned more about their campuses and asked questions about daily life during a panel discussion featuring the four principals.  

Many therapists started school in their respective districts this week and HCDE’s Head Start campuses will return to class Aug. 18 and our Special Schools start on Aug. 25.