Mission and Philosophy

Even in its earliest incarnation, the Center provided an opportunity for young children to receive an excellent early childhood education while at the same time offering college students the chance to learn about child development through hands-on experience. The same is true today; as our Mission and Philosophy Statement explains, the Center provides young children with a wide range of enriching and recreational activities in an environment that is conducive to discovering joy in learning and developing a positive self-image. The Center is also dedicated to promoting research in early childhood education and development, and we support these endeavors through active participation in research studies conducted by faculty and graduate students at the University. Moreover, the Center provides hands-on research and real-life employment experiences to Rutgers undergraduates through its participation in several college courses and programs.