Lawson Early Childhood Center

Welcome to Herman Lawson Early Childhood Center

Lawson Vision

Lawson Early Childhood Center commits to partner with families and the community to develop the academic, social, and emotional foundations necessary to foster each child's full potential as a life-long learner.

The Herman Lawson Early Childhood Center opened in the fall of 2009 and is located near the intersection of Wolford Street and Dowell Street in west McKinney.

The center houses Early Head Start, Head Start, Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD), and Pre-Kindergarten programs in McKinney ISD. Club 360, McKinney ISD’s after-school care program, will not be located in the center.

Special features include a 90,000 square foot unique age-specific design, three outdoor playgrounds, and a group activity area.

About Mr. Herman Lawson
Mr. Herman Lawson was born in McKinney, attended Altoga School grades 1-8, and attended Boyd High School grades 9-12, graduating from the “original” Boyd High School in McKinney. He received his Bachelor’s degree from East Texas State University and his Master’s degree from North Texas State University.

During his tenure in McKinney beginning in 1957, he taught Geometry, Trigonometry, Educational Analysis, and Driver’s Education at Boyd High School and McKinney High School. He served as a class sponsor for many classes, was Slide Ruler Sponsor, and took many students to UIL Math Competitions.

Mr. Lawson served as principal at Finch Elementary School for nine years, and finished his career as the MISD Director of Student Services. As Director of Student Services, he instituted the first computerized attendance program in McKinney ISD. In addition to his teaching duties, Mr. Lawson served the district as a bus driver, textbook custodian, visiting teacher, and was always willing to assist the district in any way he was needed. He was one of McKinney ISD’s true “go to guys”.

Former students have described him as one of the best math teachers the district has ever had, not only because of his skill in teaching mathematics, but because of his consistent and fair discipline in dealing with his students.

Herman Lawson was a member of many professional and local organizations, including the National Counsel of Teachers of Mathematics, Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association, Texas State Teacher’s Association, and the McKinney-Collin County Retired Teacher’s Association.

Mr. Lawson retired from McKinney ISD in 1989 after 32 years of dedication to students. Mr. Lawson was contacted earlier this year by the district to be informed that he would be the namesake for McKinney ISD's next school, the Herman Lawson Early Childhood Center, opening in the fall of 2009.