A quality childhood program…

The Child Development Laboratory (CDL) provides -quality early childhood education and childcare for young children from two years old through 5 years old. The Center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and is recognized by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs as program that follows best practices in early care and education. The CDL is a relatively small center, offering a warm and personal caregiving environment for approximately 52 children in two multi-age preschool classes and beginning fall 2005, a full toddler classroom. The center is licensed by the Arizona Department of Health Services, and has a contract with the Department of Economic Security to provide childcare assistance to eligible families.

The CDL’S education philosophy is based on the National Association for the Education of the Young Children’s (NAEYC) Position Statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice. This means that we provide a wide range of age-appropriate activities that facilitate children’s intellectual, social-emotional, and physical development. In addition, curriculum activities and adult-child interactions are tailored to meet the individual needs, interests, and abilities of each child.

A University at our doorstep…

Children at the CDL have access to the many rich and varied resources of a major university. Our program includes walking field trips to the museums, libraries, and centers on ASU’s campus. We also have frequent “guest speakers” and special activities from such departments as music, art, education, nursing, intercollegiate athletics, and architecture.

A place for parents…

Providing for the needs of parents is an important part of our program. We welcome and encourage parent involvement. Observation facilities are open daily, and parents are always invited to visit or join their child for lunch. Parent conferences are offered twice a year. We also provide a variety of educational programs (recent topics include discipline, Kindergarten readiness, peer relationships, and the development of children’s thinking) and social events for parents.

A part of Arizona State University…

As part of ASU’s Department of Family and Human Development, the CDL plays an integral role in the university’s threefold mission of teaching, research, and service. The CDL provides carefully supervised training opportunities for child development students pursuing careers serving children and families. CDL children and families have a unique opportunity to participate in various research studies conducted by faculty and graduate students (Participation is always voluntary). The CDL provides a model of high quality education and care for young children, and offers training opportunities and technical assistance for state and local early childhood professionals.