Cal Poly Humboldt Child Development Lab

The Child Development Laboratory (CDL) is a special environment designed to provide a model preschool for children, create a learning center for university students, and support and educate parents of young children. Through these activities children develop knowledge, skills, and a foundation for continued learning. As children use their skills, they build trusting relationships with peers and adults outside the home. We also believe that children have their own backgrounds, experiences, personalities and abilities that make each of them unique. We believe that children are eager learners when they are provided with opportunities appropriate for their ages, abilities, interests and cultures. We believe that appreciative yet objective observation of children, respectful relationship building and effective supportive communication are the foundations of successful learning communities. A Special Environment

We provide provide a rich variety of experiences and supports for children while involving them in activities with classmates. We help children chose activities, plan what they will do, engage in the activity they planned, and later talk about what happened. We also provide them with activities that we plan based on our observations of their developmental patterns, skills, needs and interests. We base our approach on well established theories of child development, current research and currently recognized standards of best practices. The classroom includes both indoor and outdoor areas designed to help children learn about themselves, their physical world and the people around them. The areas are organized so children can play alone, in pairs, in small groups and/or with adults. Children explore their environment, have conversations, and make decision son their own. Children:
◾Play quietly or noisily
◾Engage in activities that strengthen small and large motor skills
◾Practice taking responsibility for personal needs
◾Learn good health practices for working and learning with others
◾Create using a variety of media – wood, clay, paints, pens, sand, blocks, etc.
◾Enjoy activities that support listening, speaking, reading, writing, reflecting and reasoning. The CDL environment integrates children experiencing special needs. There are adapted wheeled toys, a sitting rim for the sandbox, wheel chair access to the climbing structure and restroom, broad walkways and easily accessible shelf-space for toys and equipment. Teachers work with families and other professionals to ensure that all children receive the supports they need to be successfully independent.