First-Look Assessment of the Texas A&M University Childcare Centers

Introduction and Background

As of January 1, 2024, the College of Education and Human Development (SEHD) became the administrative home for both Texas A&M University Children’s Centers: Becky Gates (BGCC) and Charlotte Sharp (CSCC). As part of its oversight responsibilities, the SEHD has initiated a “First-Look” assessment of the centers’ core operational, compliance, accountability, infrastructure, educational, and business services. Below are some of the “current state” observations and suggested next steps that will drive our community towards a strong and vibrant childcare community fully integrated into the Texas A&M University core mission of research, teaching, and service/outreach.

This information and reflective observations were collected over a five-week period with meetings, tours, review of available artifacts, and conversational interviews. Even with this First Look effort, it is recognized that these observations and recommendations are limited, and much more work needs to be done to build working groups around developing a comprehensive strategic plan that can address some of the specific areas of inquiry in this First Look assessment. In no way are these the only areas that require our attention nor the only solutions available. Each require expanded input, reflection, vetting with SEHD and child center leadership, the campus, and the child center community at large.

Please take a moment to review our recommendations and provide your feedback.