THE CENTER FOR SAFE AND SECURE SCHOOLS (CSSS) is an established liaison for schools within the Harris County emergency management community that promotes safety and security standards and best practices for K-12 schools. 

Harris County Department of Education established the division in 1999 at the request of district superintendents to advance safe and secure environments for students and educators. CSSS collaborates with federal, state and local entities to develop increased safety and security strategies, build relationships between emergency personnel and provide districts with crisis management training. 

CSSS conducts facility safety audits in accordance with the education code, provides districts with FEMA National Incident Management System training and hosts various social-emotional workshops throughout the year. 

Harris County Department of Education is dedicated to providing high-quality, cost-effective educational services to school districts, educators, government and non-profit organizations in Harris County.

Through schools for students with profound special needs, Head Start early childhood education, school-based therapy services and afterschool programs, HCDE supports all area school districts in meeting the needs of uniquely challenged learners while saving them millions of dollars each year through shared services. The Department is an innovative leader of literacy and workforce development programming for adult learners across the county. HCDE also provides various other educational support services including professional development for educators, school safety programs, educator certification, records management, and a national purchasing cooperative.

HCDE impacted more than 101,000 students in 2023-2024. Using fees for service, grants, and the purchasing cooperative, HCDE turns one dollar of property taxes into more than five dollars of services.

HCDE is separate and distinct from other agencies of Harris County. The Department’s primary service area covers 1,788 square miles but also provides support to school districts, education service centers and other governmental agencies across Texas and the nation.