Cooper Junior High Principal Helps Safely Reunite Child, Highlights Importance of Take Me Home Program

Cooper Junior High Principal Mary Zucha was not expecting to step into “principal mode” on a quiet Sunday morning over Christmas break, but her instincts, experience, and calm leadership quite possibly saved a child’s life.

Zucha was driving out of her neighborhood when she noticed the car in front of her had slowed to a crawl. Moments later, she saw why: a young child, dressed in pajamas, was walking alone in the street.

“I immediately knew something wasn’t right,” Zucha said.

As the 19-year-old driver ahead of her pulled over and called 911, Zucha watched the child begin walking toward a nearby body of water. Both drivers got out of their cars and followed as the child lost interest in the water and headed to a busy roadway.

“That’s when I went into principal mode,” Zucha said.

Zucha and the other driver ran after the child and were able to safely stop them and prevent the child from running into traffic. When asked their name, the child was unable to respond, and it quickly became clear that the child was nonverbal.

Law enforcement arrived on scene but confirmed there was no missing child report. The child’s parents had not yet realized the child was gone.

Drawing on her educational experience, Zucha began problem-solving.

“I knew the student wasn’t elementary-aged and not in junior high, so intermediate school made the most sense,” she said.

Knowing Davis Intermediate serves the surrounding neighborhood, she took a photo of the child and sent it to Davis Principal T.J. Fields.

“He recognized the child immediately,” Zucha said.

Fields quickly connected with the child’s family. Situations like this can happen in a matter of moments, even in the most attentive homes, and the child’s mother rushed to the scene.

As they waited, Zucha relied on de-escalation techniques she had learned in her 12 years in education. Using a calm voice, reassuring phrases like “you’re safe,” and offering simple guidance, such as asking if the child wanted to hold her hand and gently directing where to sit, Zucha helped keep the child calm for about 15 minutes until the parent arrived.

Later that day, the child’s mother called Principal Fields back with a message that stayed with Zucha.

“She said, ‘Y’all weren’t just principals today. You were guardian angels.’”

Zucha credits timing and faith for placing her in the right spot that morning.

“In this moment, I don’t think of myself as a hero, but I think God put me in that place for a reason,” she said.

The situation also revealed a critical gap in emergency response for individuals with special needs. Zucha said that while the officer did everything possible, he wasn’t familiar with assisting a child who was nonverbal.

“When he asked [the child] to get into the patrol car, they panicked,” she said. “That’s when you realize how important it is for first responders to have more information.”

That information is exactly what the Take Me Home program is designed to provide.

Take Me Home is a free, voluntary program offered through local police departments to help first responders quickly and safely assist individuals who may have difficulty communicating, identifying themselves, or navigating high-stress situations. Guardians can upload a photo of their loved one, along with basic demographic information and emergency contact details, into a secure database accessible only to law enforcement.

The program is especially beneficial for individuals with autism or developmental disabilities, people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, and anyone who may be nonverbal or easily confused during an emergency.

“If there’s a profile that explains how to approach a child and what works best for them, that changes everything,” Zucha said. “It helps officers help kids in the way they need.”

To help families learn more, Wylie ISD Special Education is teaming up with the Wylie Police Department to host a parent education meeting about the Take Me Home program. While the program is a big part of the conversation, the evening will also include information on internet safety, mental health resources, and how the district and police department work together to support students and families. Parents of all Wylie ISD students are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Wylie ISD Educational Service Center (951 S. Ballard Avenue).

Take Me Home is a free program available to residents in Wylie, Sachse, Murphy, St. Paul, and those residing in unincorporated Collin County. For more information, visit your local police department’s website or use the links below to complete the Take Me Home registration form.

Wylie Sachse Murphy Collin County Sheriff’s Office