HOWDY FAMILIES AND FRIENDS!
The Week of the Young Child (WOYC) is an annual celebration dedicated to honoring young children and their families. The week of April 5-11 highlights the importance of meeting the needs of young children and their families and recognizing the exceptional early childhood programs and services that support them. Both the Becky Gates and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Centers are exemplary programs, committed to excellence in early childhood development and education. We are also excited to have Texas A&M University’s Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education as a valued partner in advancing research that informs practice and policy across Texas and beyond.
The needs of young children include ample opportunities for play and exploration in safe, nurturing environments. High-quality early childhood education involves creating a community of learners, offering an engaging curriculum, setting meaningful goals, observing and assessing children’s growth, and fostering deep thinking. Additional key quality standards include strong relationships, teaching practices, health and safety, staff competencies, preparation and support, family and community engagement, physical environment, and leadership.
For our children and families, our mission is to partner with families to nurture holistic growth and development, advance developmentally appropriate practices, and elevate inclusive active engagement for every child and family. To this end, we are committed to excellence in early childhood education through participation in quality initiative programs like Texas Rising Star and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation. We ensure that our teaching staff and administrators stay informed on the latest research and utilize the best practices in the field. This commitment allows us to consistently implement evidence-based strategies, engage families and communities, and create enriching environments that support optimal learning, growth, and well-being for every child in our care.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) first established the WOYC in 1971, recognizing that the early childhood years (birth through age 8) lay the foundation for children’s success in school and later life.
Today, we know more than ever before about the importance of the early years in shaping children’s learning and development.
We hope you join us in celebrating young children and recognizing the remarkable work being done at Texas A&M University to support the needs of young children and their families.
Be sure to check out the BGCC and CSCC spotlights to learn more about how each center is shaping the future of our Aggies!
Texas A&M Children’s Centers
Executive Director
