Department of Education

The Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) plays a vital role in enhancing educational services for students, families, and educators throughout Harris County, Texas. This extensive department is a cornerstone of the educational landscape in one of the nation's most diverse and populous counties. Through various programs and services, HCDE serves approximately 30,000 students annually, offering everything from early childhood education to adult learning opportunities. This article provides a detailed and comprehensive look into the programs, services, and opportunities available through the Harris County TX Department of Education.

Overview of Harris County TX Department of Education (HCDE)

Harris County TX Department of Education is an essential agency that provides services to improve educational outcomes across the region. It offers a wide range of educational programs, including early childhood education, alternative schools, adult education, therapy services, after-school programs, and much more. The department also acts as a crucial support system for local school districts, helping them optimize their resources and enhance their educational offerings.

The Mission and Impact of HCDE

HCDE is committed to maximizing the potential of all learners, whether children, teens, or adults. It responds to the evolving needs of Harris County's diverse population by providing essential services that support academic achievement, career development, and personal growth. Through its various programs, HCDE leverages resources efficiently to provide high-quality educational experiences and services to thousands of residents.

Core Divisions of the Harris County Department of Education

The Harris County Department of Education is divided into several specialized divisions, each aimed at addressing the unique needs of the community. These divisions include:

Adult Education
Head Start
CASE for Kids
Special Schools
School-Based Therapy Services
Center for Safe and Secure Schools
Center for Educator Success
Choice Partners

These divisions collectively ensure that HCDE’s programs address the educational needs of all age groups, from early childhood through adult education.

Adult Education Programs: Empowering Lifelong Learning

Harris County TX Department of Education offers extensive adult education programs aimed at helping individuals improve their literacy, skills, and overall educational outcomes. These programs are essential for adults looking to complete their high school equivalency exams, improve their English proficiency, or develop new workforce skills.

GED and ESL Classes: Breaking Barriers to Success

The Adult Education division offers GED preparation classes and English as a Second Language (ESL) programs for adults looking to improve their education and career opportunities. The GED prep classes help individuals prepare for the official GED test, which is a key pathway to earning a high school equivalency diploma. Similarly, the ESL classes assist non-native English speakers in learning the language to improve communication and integrate more effectively into the workforce.

Workforce Development and Certification Programs

For adults seeking to enhance their employability, HCDE also provides certification programs in various fields. These programs are designed to equip participants with the skills needed to succeed in today's competitive job market. HCDE's commitment to adult education reflects its broader mission to support lifelong learning and career development opportunities for all residents of Harris County.

Early Childhood Education: A Strong Foundation for Future Success

HCDE's Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide essential early childhood education services for children from birth to age 5, particularly for low-income families. These programs aim to prepare children for school by focusing on their cognitive, emotional, and social development.

Head Start: Preparing Children for School Success

The Head Start program at HCDE offers a comprehensive early education experience for children, promoting their readiness for school through activities that foster early literacy, math skills, and socialization. In addition to educational support, the program also provides nutritional meals, health screenings, and family services, ensuring that the child's overall well-being is supported.

Early Head Start: Laying the Groundwork for Lifelong Learning

The Early Head Start program focuses on the most critical developmental years, providing early learning opportunities for infants and toddlers. By addressing the needs of younger children, Early Head Start gives them a strong foundation that can positively influence their academic success in later years.

After-School Programs: Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom

Through its CASE for Kids division, the Harris County Department of Education offers a variety of after-school programs that provide enrichment and support to students across the county. These programs are designed to give children and teens a safe environment to learn and grow after school hours.

CASE for Kids: Promoting Social-Emotional Development

The CASE for Kids program offers a wide range of activities that support social-emotional learning (SEL) and personal development. By engaging students in programs like homework help, arts and crafts, and sports activities, CASE for Kids helps improve academic outcomes, build confidence, and foster positive behavior.

Supporting Local School Districts

HCDE’s after-school programs are not limited to its own campuses. The department partners with local school districts and private providers to ensure that students throughout the county have access to quality after-school care and enrichment programs.

Special Schools: Addressing the Needs of All Students

HCDE operates Special Schools that cater to students with profound disabilities, offering specialized education and support to help them thrive in a tailored learning environment. These schools are designed to meet the unique needs of students with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities that cannot be accommodated in a traditional educational setting.

A Commitment to Inclusive Education

The Special Schools division of HCDE works to create an inclusive, supportive environment where students with special needs can receive the individualized attention they require to succeed. The goal is to empower students by offering education that meets their specific needs, fostering independence and personal growth.

Therapy Services: Supporting Student Wellness

The School-Based Therapy Services division provides essential therapy services for students across the county, directly within the classroom setting. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy, all aimed at improving students’ health and learning abilities.

Tailored Support for Diverse Needs

HCDE’s therapy services are especially beneficial for students with disabilities or health challenges that affect their ability to engage in traditional classroom activities. By offering these services directly in schools, HCDE ensures that students can receive the care they need without interrupting their education.

Center for Safe and Secure Schools: Enhancing School Safety

Ensuring the safety and security of students and staff is a critical aspect of education. The Center for Safe and Secure Schools (CSSS) at HCDE works with local schools and districts to develop and implement safety strategies, including threat assessments and safety protocols.

Training and Resources for Educators

The CSSS provides training for educators, helping them to create a safe school climate where students can learn without fear. This division also works on issues such as bullying prevention, crisis management, and emergency preparedness.

Center for Educator Success: Supporting Teachers and School Leaders

HCDE’s Center for Educator Success focuses on the recruitment, development, and retention of high-quality educators. The center provides professional development programs, alternative certification routes, and leadership training to ensure that educators have the tools and support they need to excel in their roles.

Enhancing Teacher Quality and Leadership

The Center for Educator Success offers a variety of programs designed to enhance teaching quality and promote leadership skills within the educational community. These programs are vital for ensuring that students in Harris County have access to the best possible educators.

Choice Partners: Leveraging Resources for School Districts

The Choice Partners cooperative helps school districts, governmental entities, and non-profit organizations access high-quality products and services at a cost savings. Through bulk purchasing power and governmental procurement contracts, Choice Partners saves districts both time and money.

Streamlining Procurement Processes

By joining Choice Partners, districts can streamline their procurement processes, ensuring that they meet all necessary legal and regulatory requirements while securing competitive prices on products and services.

Contact Information for HCDE Divisions

Harris County Department of Education
6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email: info@hcde-texas.org

Adult Education

6515 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-692-6216
Email: Adult-Education@hcde-texas.org

Head Start

6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-672-9343
Email: hcdeheadstart@hcde-texas.org

CASE for Kids

6005 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email: info@hcde-texas.org

School-Based Therapy Services

6005 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: 713-696-8237
Email: ccrabb@hcde-texas.org

Center for Educator Success

6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email: ces@hcde-texas.org

Center for Safe and Secure Schools

6005 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: 713-696-0771
Email: leslie.etheridge@hcde-texas.org

Choice Partners

6005 Westview Dr, Houston, TX 77055
Phone: 877-696-2122
Email: arlita@choicepartners.org

Records Management

6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-696-0740
Email: Not publicly available

Special Schools

6300 Irvington Blvd, Houston, TX 77022
Phone: 713-694-6300
Email: Not publicly available

Harris County Department of Education FAQs

How can I apply for Head Start programs in Harris County?

The Harris County Department of Education offers Head Start and Early Head Start programs to support early childhood education. Families can apply for these programs by visiting the official HCDE website. The Head Start programs are specifically designed to provide preschool education and services to low-income children from birth to age 5. To submit an application, prospective families can visit the Head Start page on the HCDE website, where they will find details on application deadlines and eligibility requirements.

What are the benefits of the Adult Education programs?

Harris County's Adult Education programs provide an array of educational opportunities aimed at helping adults complete their GED, improve English language skills, and enhance workforce capabilities. The department's offerings include GED preparation classes, English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, and workforce development certifications. These programs empower adults by providing the necessary skills to improve their personal and professional lives. Individuals interested in signing up for courses can find additional details on the Adult Education page.

How does the CASE for Kids program support students?

The CASE for Kids program, operated by the Harris County Department of Education, offers a variety of after-school services that promote learning and personal growth for students. These programs support children and teenagers with enrichment activities designed to build academic skills, foster creativity, and enhance social-emotional learning. Through partnerships with local schools and private providers, CASE for Kids ensures that students across the county have access to safe, educational, and enjoyable after-school experiences. More information about the available programs can be found on the CASE for Kids page.

What resources are available through the Center for Safe and Secure Schools?

The Center for Safe and Secure Schools (CSSS) helps ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff across Harris County. It offers training and resources to local schools to assist them in developing safety plans, conducting threat assessments, and addressing issues like bullying and crisis management. The CSSS works closely with educators and administrators to create a safe school environment. Educators can access free workshops and training through the CSSS page.

Can I access therapy services through the Harris County Department of Education?

Yes, the Harris County Department of Education offers therapy services in schools through its School-Based Therapy Services division. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and music therapy, all provided directly in local classrooms to help students with disabilities or health challenges. The goal of these services is to support students' academic and social-emotional development while addressing their unique health needs. More details about therapy programs are available on the School-Based Therapy Services page.