The Texas A&M Children’s Centers cultivate a rich community of diverse innovative learners by providing enriching experiences and building strong connections focusing on the holistic development of children to establish a lifelong love for learning. We believe young children learn best through active participatory play, recognizing it as the primary means through which children construct knowledge. Within this framework, active learning forms the foundation of interactions between adults and children, permeating the learning environment, daily routines, and assessment practices.

By engaging all of a child’s senses, active learning is facilitated through the provision of diverse and stimulating materials that children can freely manipulate. Moreover, children are empowered to set their own their own goals, select materials and activities, and choose play partners, fostering autonomy and agency. Communication, both verbal and nonverbal, is encouraged as children express their actions and understanding. Adults play a crucial role in supporting children’s current cognitive levels while challenging them to progress further, through dialogue, participation in play, and problem-solving assistance.

Central to this approach is the cultivation of position, authentic relationships within a supportive environment. Such an environment values shared control between adults and children, emphasizes children’s strengths, fosters genuine connections between adults and children, promotes play, utilizes encouragement rather than praise, and adopts a problem-solving approach to social conflicts.