Early Childhood Development Center

The Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is a preschool serving students ages 3 & 4 operated jointly by the Corpus Christi Independent School District (CCISD) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The school opened in 1996.

Collaboration
The ECDC works in close partnership with the TAMU-CC College of Education and Human Development. Students learn in an immersive environment that helps build memory retention, life skills, independent thinking, and problem-solving while developing emotional growth. The ECDC benefits from the university's facilities, instructional support, innovative programming, and proximity to a variety of educators and ideas. The university uses the site for educator training, research, and programming. 

Location & Contact
Early Childhood Development Center
6300 Ocean Drive, Unit 5834
Corpus Christi, TX 78412-5834

Phone: 361-825-3366

ECDC Staff

Mission
The mission of the Early Childhood Development Center is to prepare the children in our care to be inquisitive learners that are kindergarten ready while also inspiring future educators in best practices.

Vision
Our vision is to work collaboratively with TAMUCC to provide a unique, multisensory, and
collaborative learning experience for our students while inspiring future educators and supporting our
families.

Programmatic Foundations

Our Programs & Curriculum

• We use an inquiry-based, thematic approach, and emergent curriculum. This approach to early childhood education bases learning experiences are based on children’s interests and natural curiosity, rather than a pre-set, teacher-directed path.

• Integration of social constructivism, whole-child development, and play-based learning

• Unique Features of the ECDC:
  • Inclusive classrooms serve all learners.
  • Programming is family-centered.
  • Teachers, students, and support staff will travel throughout the year into the
    varied themes of: On The Go!, Everyday Helpers, Take Care, Farm to Table, Animals All Around Us, Look Outside, and Earth, Moon, Sky. Our students will visit Dinosaur Den (indoor activity center)
    & outdoor exploration areas which include dramatic play, art, technology, building, gardening, and
    tricycle trail.
  • Family-centered programming.
• Assessment & Quality:
  • Use of assessment data to support instruction
  • Continuous Quality Improvement
• Learning Environments:
  • Classrooms, outdoor spaces, and community-based learning.

ECDC offers an unparalleled opportunity for TAMU-CC future teachers to connect theory with practice. The university's Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education degree programs are integrated with ECDC practical experience. Through their coursework, TAMU-CC students gain hands-on experience in model classrooms, working alongside skilled mentor teachers and engaging in reflective practice that prepares them for impactful careers.

Our educator preparation program uses nationally recognized, research-based tools to ensure high-quality training and consistent evaluation of teaching practices. These include CLASS (Classroom Assessment Scoring System), which measures the quality of teacher–child interactions; TSGold (Teaching Strategies GOLD), an observational assessment system that tracks children’s developmental progress; and CIRCLE, a suite of early childhood assessments and resources designed to strengthen instruction in language, literacy, and emerging academic skills. Together, these tools provide a comprehensive, data-informed foundation for preparing effective, responsive educators.

TAMU-CC student worker opportunities are also available at the ECDC through the America Reads tutoring program.

Our reach extends beyond the classroom. In partnership with the Corpus Christi Independent School District, TAMUCC’s College of Education and Human Development, and community organizations like United Way Coastal Bend, ECDC hosts service-learning initiatives, professional development workshops, and family engagement events such as Books, Balls, and Blocks. These collaborations strengthen our community and ensure every child and family has access to the resources they need.

If you are interested in partnering with the ECDC, contact us! 

The ECDC is a nationally-recognized, university-affiliated early learning center that blends teaching, research, and community engagement. It serves as a living laboratory for research, offering scholars a dynamic environment to explore child development, program quality, and innovative teaching practices. The knowledge generated here informs policy, shapes practice, and contributes to the broader field of early childhood education.

We welcome collaboration proposals with TAMU-CC faculty and external researchers with aligned goals.

If you're interested in getting involved as a researcher, contact us!