DONNA – Donna ISD, in partnership with Hidalgo County Head Start and the City of Donna, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning celebrating the Donna Early Head Start Academy, a first-of-its-kind partnership in the State of Texas that is already serving local students and families.
Already in full operation, the academy is providing children as young as six weeks old with access to highly qualified teachers, innovative instruction, and a high-quality early learning environment designed to support development during the most critical years of childhood. Featuring safari-themed classrooms, a 4:1 student-to-teacher ratio, and wraparound family support services, the academy is focused on building strong foundations for future Donna Redskins from the very beginning.
District and community leaders gathered to celebrate the partnership and tour the facility, which was intentionally designed to create an engaging environment where young learners can explore, grow, and develop foundational skills in a safe and supportive setting. Research continues to show the early years of childhood play a critical role in brain development, making access to high-quality early childhood education and childcare important for long-term academic success and future learning outcomes.
Hidalgo County Head Start Executive Director Irma Peña highlighted the strength of the partnership and the opportunities it creates for families throughout the community, while Donna ISD Superintendent Dr. Angela Dominguez emphasized the transformational impact early childhood education can have on both students and families.
“High-quality education starting this early is going to transform the lives of these students and the lives of their families,” said Dominguez. “Our mission is graduating every student college, career, or military ready, and now that mission starts at six weeks old.”
Dr. Dominguez also highlighted the importance of the collaboration between Donna ISD, Hidalgo County Head Start, and the City of Donna in expanding access to high-quality childcare, education, and family services for local families.
The Donna Early Head Start Academy continues serving children and families daily as Donna ISD expands opportunities for future Donna Redskins through innovative early childhood programming and community partnerships. Donna ISD thanks the Donna ISD Board of Trustees, Hidalgo County Head Start leadership, city leaders, and community partners for helping bring the project to life as the district continues Launching a Legacy.