Our Mission
The mission of the Becky Gates Children’s Center is to provide high quality, affordable, and accessible early childhood care and education to the children of affiliated Texas A&M University faculty, students, and staff establishing a solid foundation for a lifetime of learning. We support and contribute to Texas A&M University’s mission, goals, and values.
Our Philosophy
At the Becky Gates Children’s Center, we believe children learn best through active participatory play, which is how children construct their knowledge and aligns with HighScope. Active learning is at the core of adult-child interactions, the learning environment, daily routines, and assessment/observation. Through active learning the child uses all of their senses, have the opportunities to set their own goals, and select their own materials, activities, and play partners. Adults support children’s current level of thinking and challenge them to advance to the next stage by talking about what they are doing, by joining in their play, and by helping them learn to solve problems that arise. Children thrive with positive, authentic relationships in a supportive environment. A supportive environment is one where control is shared between adults and the children, children’s strengths are the focus, where we use encouragement instead of praise, and adopt a problem-solving approach to social conflict.
At the Becky Gates Children’s Center we understand the importance of being an Aggie! We incorporate many of the traditions throughout our program, especially the core values listed below.
Leadership
Teamwork
Jobs in the classroom
Positive reinforcement
Selfless Service
Looking at the insides and not just the outsides of others
Practicing accountability and community service
Loyalty
Building strong relationships with our family and our friends
Respect
Help children develop respect and put it in to practice
Practice positive social skills
Integrity
Critical thinking
Empathy
Proactive teaching
Leading by example
Excellence
Program philosophy
Developmentally appropriate practice
Focusing on the whole child
Giving children authentic experiences
Focusing on child-directed and inquiry-based activities
Using practices based on research
Promoting curiosity and questions
Social emotional growth
Physical health and development
Literacy
Ongoing evaluation and assessment
Interpersonal relationships