Early Childhood Laboratory

History

The Early Childhood Laboratory, established in 1928, is a university-based center operated by the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation Counseling in the College of Education. The Early Childhood Laboratory has been accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for several years, and has received a 4 Star Rating from the Stars for Kids Now Initiative for the past 3 school years (2003/2004, 2004/2005, 2005/2006). The Early Childhood Laboratory has a three-part mission:

• ECL serves as a model early childhood program in the community. Three different types of programs for children ages 6 weeks to 6 years are provided - Infant Toddler Lab, Preschool Labs, and one month Summer program. The ECL teachers serve as trainers and presenters for other child care workers.
   
• ECL serves as a teacher training site for future early childhood teachers. University students learn about becoming teachers of young children through observation, participation, and teaching experiences.
   
• ECL serves as a site for research in child development and early childhood education. ECL children are often involved in research projects conducted by university students. Prior to such involvement, parents are informed about the nature, purpose, and procedures of a given study. Consent from parents is essential before any child participates.

The three-part mission of our school provides a unique environment for children. Children at ECL encounter numerous adults (e.g., university students), which allow classroom teachers time and opportunity to respond to individual child's needs. We feel the low ratio of adult to child facilitates in providing a climate which will help each child to grow and learn.