The goal of the CDL is to provide early education and quality care for preschool children and to serve as a model training laboratory for students majoring in child development. The CDL provides research opportunities for students and faculty. Student interns are cooperatively supervised by the CDFR faculty, the CDL director, and CDL teachers. Child care providers are welcomed to participate as observers and students. All research conducted in the CDL must be approved by the University Policy and Review Committee on Human Research and the department.
Confidentiality is maintained.
The CDL's overall program follows the Developmentally Appropriate Practices Guidelines established by the National Association for he Education of Young Children. The program's theoretical orientation and educational application is eclectic, borrowing from the child development theories of Erikson, Piaget, and Vygotsky. Children are encouraged to become competent, independent thinkers, and problem solvers in a curriculum rich in play, social interactions, and language. The CDL provides a variety of play opportunities each day. Children are encouraged to explore their environments, ask questions, and make choices.