Texas A&M Children’s Centers Enhance Commitment to Serving Families

Students Across Campus Will Benefit From Early Learning Research and Practice Opportunities

Texas A&M University has strengthened its commitment to early childhood development and education in Texas by positioning the Becky Gates Children’s Center and Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center within the College of Education and Human Development.

This move strengthens the Becky Gates Children’s Center, Charlotte Sharp Children’s Center and the Texas A&M Institute for Early Childhood Development & Education, an institute established in 2023 that is also part of the College of Education and Human Development. The synergies among the children’s centers, the institute and Texas A&M faculty within the School of Human Education and Development will benefit students, local families and families around the nation.

“Our School is proud and privileged to house the Texas A&M Children’s Centers,” said Dr. Michael A. de Miranda, dean of the College of Education and Human Development. “We are excited to provide the knowledge and insights of our world-class faculty, researchers and staff to bolster students’ research opportunities while serving local families, especially their children.”

Dr. de Miranda has appointed Erica Ritter, who previously led the Becky Gates Children’s Center, Executive Director over both Children’s Centers. She will apply her 25+ years of early childhood education experience to oversee day to day operations and work alongside faculty in integrating the teaching, learning, and research environment into our early childhood centers.

Texas A&M continues to promote research and discovery, leading effective instruction and providing service to the community.

For media inquiries, contact Ruben Hidalgo.