Welcome to the Center for Young Children
The Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children (MCCYC) is the laboratory in which students observe and gain practical experience in working with young children and their parents. Several programs in the Department of Human Sciences require observation and/or participation at the center. Students from other disciplines (such as early childhood education, psychology, speech communications, and kinesiology) are also provided opportunities to observe and interact with young children.
Philosophy
The Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children (CCYC) is operated under the auspices of the Department of Human Sciences within the Dick and Mary Lewis Kleberg College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Human Sciences at Texas A&M University—Kingsville. The CCYC provides a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of young children while responding to the needs of their families. Children’s play is essential for their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical growth. Child-initiated, child-directed, teacher-supported play is the central part of the Center for Young Children’s curriculum. The program is designed to be developmentally appropriate for the age of the child and for the individual abilities of the child. The Master Teachers use knowledge about age appropriateness to identify the range of behaviors, activities, and materials for a specific age group. This knowledge is used in conjunction with understanding individual children’s growth patterns, strengths, interests, and experiences to design the most appropriate learning environment.
Mission Statement
We believe that all children are special in their own unique way. They have energy, enthusiasm and a thirst for learning. Here at the Marc Cisneros Center for Young Children, we work to enhance these natural characteristics of children by providing care and education in a safe, nurturing and stimulating child-centered environment. We strive to provide children with experiences that develop responsive relationships and allow them to learn about themselves, others and the world around us. We also support adult student success by providing high quality care for children of students, faculty, staff and community as well as serving as a site for employment, volunteer and observation experiences. Our goal is to help all our students become successful, confident, and responsible members of our diverse society.
Message from the Director
Our philosophy is that young children learn through creative play. We utilize planned activities that enhance the children's emotional, social, physical, and cognitive development. Our A highly qualified teachers and use learning centers provided in each room to stimulate and encourage exploration and discovery. The center's close proximity to campus and its high-quality program make it especially attractive to university students with children. Parents are encouraged to register their children early since our waiting list quickly lengthens as the fall semester draws near. Parents are welcome to visit at any time.
Marisol Loredo