Enhancing Student Success Through Practical Learning
Practical learning experiences are a key component in preparing Texas A&M University (TAMU) students for successful careers. This “high-impact” education moves beyond the traditional classroom, offering hands-on opportunities that allow students to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations. These experiences produce well-rounded, effective, and highly marketable graduates.
Real-World Application at the Texas A&M Children’s Centers
At the Texas A&M Children’s Centers, TAMU students gain invaluable experience that directly supports their academic and professional goals. The centers serve as a living laboratory for student employees, nursing students, and practicum students. These opportunities include:
- Internships and Practicums: Students apply their theoretical knowledge in a professional, high-quality early childhood learning setting.
- Research Support: Undergraduates, graduate students, and faculty can conduct research related to early childhood development, directly observing and interacting with children.
- Fieldwork and Interactive Labs: The centers provide a dynamic environment for hands-on learning, allowing TAMU students to observe and participate in daily operations.
In the classroom, TAMU students engage with children throughout the day. Opportunities are available for students to participate in small and large group activities, including outdoor activities with children!
CSCC Director
Student Roles in the Children’s Centers Kitchen
TAMU students who assist in the kitchen support the center’s kitchen staff by planning and preparing meals that comply with the Child and Adult Care Food Program, the USDA, and the Health Department. This important role includes maintaining required health and safety standards when preparing food, washing dishes, and sanitizing surfaces. They must be knowledgeable about the special dietary needs of individual children and provide appropriate meal substitutes. TAMU students deliver meals to the classrooms, assist with inventory tracking and ordering, receive, store, and shelve food deliveries, and fill in for the Children’s Center Cook when absent.
Kitchen staff prepping for a meal for lunch time.
Administrative Roles and Practical Skills
Families entering and exiting the Children’s Centers are greeted daily by TAMU students who work at the front desk. These students are typically majoring in Business and Human Resources.
This role provides TAMU students with opportunities to support the centers by:
- Maintaining files
- Creating spreadsheets
- Answering phone calls
- Preparing meal count spreadsheets for the CACFP program
Through these practical learning opportunities, TAMU students at the Children’s Centers gain valuable real-world skills, preparing them to excel in their future careers.
Front desk staff greeting everyone who enters the building.