Leading cutting-edge research to transform the lives of young children and the adults who interact with them.
The latest news, achievements, and stories from across the Institute.
Brianna Elaine is a passionate early childhood educator at a Texas A&M University laboratory school. With 11 years of experience working with children, she is dedicated to creating meaningful, inclusive,…
Read update : Texas AEYC Jacquie Porter Teacher of the Year Awarded to Elaine
Brianna Elaine is a passionate early childhood educator at a Texas A&M University laboratory school. With 11 years of experience working with children, she is dedicated to creating meaningful, inclusive, and engaging learning environments and partnering with families to promote both child and family success. As an educator in a university laboratory school she also mentors university students, developing the next generation of high quality early educators.
Brianna has experience implementing the HighScope curriculum, emphasizing child-led learning, emotional literacy, and positive behavior guidance. Her passion lies in helping young children develop confidence, independence, and essential social-emotional skills.
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With 20 years in education, Erich Wimberly has dedicated most of his career to serving young children, families, and educators in Bryan ISD. After 11 years as a Pre-K teacher…
Read update : Wimberly Wins Texas AEYC Administrator of the Year
With 20 years in education, Erich Wimberly has dedicated most of his career to serving young children, families, and educators in Bryan ISD. After 11 years as a Pre-K teacher and six years as an instructional coach, he now serves as the district’s Early Childhood Coordinator. Mr. Wimberly is a long-time partner of the Institute facilitating research and practice partnerships with multiple faculty across campus.
Erich is passionate about expanding access to high-quality early childhood education through collaboration between school districts and child care centers. His work developing Pre-K partnerships across the Brazos Valley and beyond continues to create opportunities for young learners and inspire stronger community connections.
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Dr. Julie Thompson has been awarded new funding to provide training to preschool and elementary school teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals on evidence-based practices that promote the success of…
Read update : Dr. Julie Thompson Awarded $400,000 in THECB Funding
Dr. Julie Thompson has been awarded new funding to provide training to preschool and elementary school teachers, special education teachers, and paraprofessionals on evidence-based practices that promote the success of children with autism in their learning. Since 2020, Project TAPP has trained 2,221 teachers and paraprofessionals across 258 Texas school districts and 9 of Texas’s 20 regional Education Service Centers, reaching 13,149 children with autism. The new Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) award provides $400,000 for 2026–2028, allowing the team to train an additional 750 practitioners and teach 3,000 more children.
Dr. Margaret Quinn has been selected for the 2026 CEHD Outstanding New Faculty Award. This award is given to faculty member who has made significant professional contributions to CEHD programs…
Read update : 2026 CEHD Outstanding New Faculty Award
Dr. Margaret Quinn has been selected for the 2026 CEHD Outstanding New Faculty Award. This award is given to faculty member who has made significant professional contributions to CEHD programs and departmental activities. Dr. Quinn is an Associate Professor in the department of Teaching, Learning, and Culture and a core faculty member in the TAMU Institute for Early Childhood.
From inclusive education to language development and computational thinking, our faculty lead interdisciplinary research that connects discovery with early childhood practice.
Inclusive Education
Project NEST
Strengthening inclusive early childhood
education in rural Texas through
professional learning, coaching,
and collaboration.
Explore Project NEST
Language & Literacy
BiRDI Project
Investigating more accurate ways to
identify language and reading difficulties
among young bilingual children.
Explore BiRDI
Early Learning & Technology
Integrative Computational Thinking
Exploring how literacy, play, and
screen-free experiences support
computational thinking in early childhood.
Explore the research
Our work extends beyond research projects, connecting new knowledge with the educators, families, and communities who support young children.
Explore academic pathways at Texas A&M that prepare future educators, researchers, and leaders in early childhood education.
Prepare to lead interdisciplinary research, advance knowledge, and contribute to early childhood education, policy, and practice.
Explore the Ph.D.Prepare for a career teaching young children through field-based experiences and early childhood educator preparation.
Explore Teaching Certification