Happy New Year!

The new year provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year. Many wonderful things happened at Texas A&M University in 2023 related to early childhood education and we are excited for what the future holds. In addition to the purchase of Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center in August, the Institute for Early Childhood Development and Education was formed.  

“Texas A&M University launched the Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education, the most comprehensive institute of its kind in the state, involving faculty, students, centers and clinics across the campus and state. This institute will collaborate with both the Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center and the Becky Gates Children’s Center (BGCC) to provide students in the Texas A&M School of Education & Human Development (SEHD) with a real-world demonstration and training ground, while providing children at these centers with access to the latest in early childhood education best practices.” (Texas A&M University Division of Marketing and Communications, 2023). 

To say there are exciting things happening in the Texas A&M University system that support early childhood seems to be an understatement. We are excited to see what the future holds for “our littlest Aggies.”

As you and your family enter 2024, maybe you set resolutions that affect not only you personally, but maybe your resolutions involve you as a parent or guardian of young children. I wanted to share a couple of resources specifically for families. 

Get Parenting Tips is published by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and provides helpful resources whether you are expecting your first child or are the parent of a teenager. Popular topics include development, discipline, health, relationships, and safety. This quick 3 minute video 4 Ways to Help Kids Deal with Their Emotions is just one example of the resources you will find on this website.

If you would like to find ways to get your children excited about trying new foods, you might consider signing up for the ChopChop newsletter or you can review previous newsletters here. You will find delicious recipes, facts about different foods, kitchen skills for children such as how to hull a strawberry and much more.  

Whatever your resolutions are for 2024, we wish you all a happy and prosperous new year!