Mission and Values

The mission of the Piper Center for Family Studies and Child Development is to be a laboratory school that provides model programs for infants, toddlers, and preschool children. We also provide leadership to students consistent with the teaching, research/creative endeavors, and service missions of the Department of Human Sciences and Design and Baylor University.

Within this mission, the Piper Center provides:

• Quality programs for young children and their families based on developmental theory, research, and best practices;

• Holistic education in a child-directed, inquiry-based, play-centered learning environment that emphasizes safety, connection, and opportunity for problem-solving;

• An exemplary learning environment for undergraduate students to observe and interact with young children, apply and analyze concepts learned through their coursework, and engage in mentorship with practitioners of many disciplines;

• A context for researchers interested in furthering the collective understanding of children, families, education, and numerous other related subjects;

• A collaborative and respectful work environment that supports teachers as they educate young children, partner with families, mentor undergraduate students, and continue their lifelong pursuits of learning.

By continually striving for excellence in all aspects of our mission, our laboratory school exemplifies evidence-based pedagogical techniques that can be utilized by professionals in various disciplines to meet the changing needs of our society.