It is the mission of the Children's Center to provide an enriched developmental childcare and education program for use by students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community. The Center also offers a range of interdisciplinary opportunities for observation, fieldwork, and research for Cal State L.A. students and faculty. The educational philosophy of the Anna Bing Arnold Children's Center is based on the belief that each child is unique and deserves respect, consistency, caring, and challenge as they grow. They do not acquire knowledge by force. They are motivated by their own desire to make sense of their world.
Children learn through interaction with the materials and people in their environment.
Play provides this interaction and is the natural mode of learning for the young child. Children learn self discipline as they learn respect for themselves, others, and their environment. Pride in their abilities, family, and culture adds to their developing self esteem. Children need a balanced program which fosters independence, choice, and challenge. They also need structure and well defined limits in order to feel secure.