Special Services
Engaging children as they meet their milestones
The Special Services Department works with families and their children with disabilities and/ or mental health concerns to ensure their children receive the full benefits of participation in the program. The department engages parents and staff in early identification and intervention services to help children meet their developmental milestones. Also, the department provides classroom support and promotes advocacy skills with families as needed.
The department plays a crucial role in services for Head Start (HS) and Early Head Start (EHS) families that align with the school readiness goals and the Head Start Program Performance Standards.
Workshop Offered:
Parent & Staff Disability and Mental Health Workshops
Disability Services
The Special Services Department is committed to working with families and their children that have a suspected or identified disability. This includes children with severe disabilities. The Agency’s goal is for every child to receive the comprehensive services needed to meet their developmental, health, and social needs. The department assists families in obtaining services through their Local Education Agency (education model) and additional support or therapy services with contract Disabilities Providers (DP) known as private providers (medical model).
The department works collaboratively with Local Education Agencies, community agencies, GCCSA staff, and private providers to ensure that all children receive services in a timely manner. In addition, we are committed to dedicating 10% of our funded enrollment to enroll children with disabilities.
The Agency has contracts with Mental health Professionals (MHP) to assist parents and staff with mental health concerns. MHPs provide direct support to children, parents, and staff. They also assist children in emotional, cognitive, and social development. The department works collaboratively with Local Education Agencies, community agencies, GCCSA staff, and private providers to ensure that all children receive services in a timely manner and to enhance awareness and understanding of mental wellness.
Mental Health Services
Meet the Department
For additional information, please email the Special Services Department – headstartspecialservices@gccsa.org
Special Services Manager
Delores Cordova
Hometown: Houston, Texas
GCCSA Employee Since: 2001
Hobbies: Crafting, Traveling and Bargain Shopping
Bonus: Favorite color is burgundy and hunter green, loves playing board games like Pictionary and spending time with her family
Administrative Assistant
Laura Gutierrez
Hometown: Bakersfield, California/ raised in Houston
GCCSA Employee Since: 2011
Hobbies: Enjoys walking – it’s very relaxing!
Bonus: Favorite color is blue.
“I’m hoping to retire from GCCSA. I love my job!”
Special Services Specialist
Noelia Sanchez
Hometown: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
GCCSA Employee Since: 2014
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Social Work and Psychology
Hobbies: Spending quality time with family and friends, cooking, and listening to music
Bonus: Previously worked as a Drug and Alcohol Therapist and Multi-Systemic Family Therapist
Centers Serviced: Bastian, Garden Villa, Raul Yzaguirre, and Virtual
“I love the Pittsburgh Steelers!”
Special Services Specialist
Natalie Tristan
Hometown: Houston, Texas
GCCSA Employee Since: 2018
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Minor in Social Work
Hobbies: Exercising, traveling, outdoor activities, watching horror movies, family time, and playing board games
Bonus: Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Centers Serviced: Alcott, Franklin, Reveille, Young
Special Services Specialist
Esmeralda Whaley
Hometown: Houston, Texas
GCCSA Employee Since: 2008
Education: Associate Degree in Arts and Child Development
Hobbies: Softball
Bonus: Bilingual (English & Spanish)
Centers Serviced: East End, Pasadena, Patterson, Richey, Rucker
“I am passionate about working with children with disabilities and their families.”
Special Services Specialist
Greg Yarborough
Hometown: Houston, Texas
GCCSA Employee Since: 2014
Education: Sam Houston State University
Hobbies: Fishing and reading
Bonus: Worked in Education and Social Services for 25+ years. Also worked as a probation officer, teacher, and as a counselor at an alternative school.
Centers Serviced: Bellfort, Gregg, Hartsfield, Plum Creek, Thompson
“I enjoy working with families and witnessing their growth. I am also the Dallas Cowboys’ #1 fan!”
Special Services Specialist
Cynthia Hickman
Hometown: Houston, Texas
GCCSA Employee Since: 1996
Education: Degree in Early Childhood/ Child Development
Hobbies: Spending time with family, traveling, playing dominoes and spades
Bonus: Worked with children for over 30 years. Certified in ASK (Texas Suicide Prevention), IMR (Illness Management Recovery), and provides specialized services to adults (Psychosocial Rehabilitation Services).
Centers Serviced: Early Head Start, Foster, Kelso, Woodson
“I am grateful for every opportunity GCCSA has provided me as I continue to strive to support and advocate for our children and families!”