|
The Department of Child Development and Family Studies operates two children's programs
that serve the learning, discovery, and engagement missions at Purdue. The programs provide
child development practica and student teaching experiences for Purdue students, fulfill a
need in the community for high quality early education and child care, and support child
development research. Both programs are accredited by the National Association for the
Education of Young Children, signifying the highest level of program quality.
About the Programs
Philosophy
Purpose
Facilities
Hours
Parent Involvement
Faculty and Staff
Contact Us
Related Links
About the Programs
Children learn best in a supportive, nurturing, and safe atmosphere
in which individual and cultural differences are valued. Infants,
toddlers, and preschool children learn through exploring their environments.
Our curriculum is designed to be at the appropriate developmental
level of each child. Teachers are sensitive to children's differing
needs, interests, and developmental levels. Classroom activities
and learning centers are planned to support the learning process
and to address each child's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual
needs, including those children with special educational needs.
Preschool education supports the child's development within the
context of the family; parent-school collaboration ensures that
this program meets the needs of individual children and their families.
The children's programs support the rich cultural and ethnic diversity
of the University community. Both programs maintain accreditation
with the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs.
Child Development Laboratory (CDL)
The Child Development Laboratory School offers morning or afternnoon preschool
classes during the academic year for children ages 2 to 5 years. CDL also offers a
6 week summer morning program. Classrooms are staffed by professional head teachers
who have masters degrees in child development or early childhood education and extensive
experience leading educational programs for young children. The program, established in
1926, was the first nursery school in Indiana .
Ben & Maxine Miller Child Learning Center
The Ben & Maxine Miller Child Learning Center serves families with children ages
6 weeks to 5 years. Infant-toddler and preschool classes operate year-round, from 7:30
to 5:30 daily. Classrooms are staffed by professional head teachers who have bachelors
or masters degrees in child development or early childhood education and extensive
experience leading educational programs for young children. The program was founded
in 1983.
back to top of page
Philosophy
The foundation of the CDFS children's programs is a belief in the uniqueness and
intrinsic value of each child, family, college student, and staff member. Children
learn when they actively construct their own knowledge by experimenting with and
reasoning about things and events around them, and when trusted adults teach them
about important and interesting topics. We strive to maintain an atmosphere of security,
acceptance, playfulness, and exploration. Children learn best when they develop positive
self-esteem, learn to cooperate with others, and are challenged at levels appropriate
to their development. While there are predictable normative stages of growth,
each child also has a unique pattern of development and experience. Therefore
we provide a variety of activities designed to engage and challenge the diverse
developmental levels, learning styles, interests, and family backgrounds reflected
in each group of children.
back to top of page
Purpose
A Three-Part Mission -Discovery, Learning, and Engagement
Discovery
The children's programs are actively involved in faculty and student research resulting in
the generation of new knowledge. Both children's schools provide excellent resources for
the study of children's development in the contexts of school, family, and community -- which
is the central focus of the Department of Child Development and Family Studies.
Investigations by CDFS researchers and also those from other departments have focused on
a range of topics related to the development of social and cognitive abilities, the creation
and management of early education curricula and environments; and relationships among teachers,
children, and families. The research component is coordinated, so that interference or
disruptions with the children's educational program are minimized. However, since research
represents a major commitment of the children's programs, staff, parents, and legal
guardians are receptive to and supportive of research efforts.
Learning
The children's programs provide opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to
observe and participate with children between the ages of 6 weeks to 5 years. Students
majoring in early childhood education and early intervention observe and participate
in order to develop a frame of reference concerning the growth, development, and behavior
of young children. Students participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation
of appropriate educational activities; observe children's reactions to the routines of the
day; study their progress through the program; and develop skills interacting with and
positively guiding both individual children and groups.
Engagement
The children's programs provide an exemplary early childhood education and child care
program for children and families in the Greater Lafayette community. The programs serve
as models of the best in early childhood practices. We achieve this objective by cultivating
experimentation and innovation in all aspects of early childhood programming, based on current
research and theory about child and family development and early education.
back to top of page
Facilities
Each classroom is equipped with an observation booth that is open when classes are in session. The observation booths are designed for use by students, faculty, parents, and staff of the children's programs. Students from CDFS, education, psychology and other majors observe children, study teaching techniques, and observe program planning and classroom arrangement. Information gathered by students is for class use only, and the names of all children are kept confidential. The observation booths are also used for collecting data for various research projects. A fenced, outdoor play area with age appropriate equipment is directly accessible to all classrooms. Sandboxes, climbing equipment, and many other outside toys and learning materials facilitate physical development but also learning in all areas. Sheltered areas enable children to participate outside in all but the most inclement weather conditions.
back to top of page
Hours
The children's programs follow the Purdue University schedule of
holidays and vacations.
Ben & Maxine Miller Child Learning Center
Miller Child Learning Center is open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The
program operates 12 months a year with the exception of University
holidays, a one-week summer recess in August, and a one-week recess
at the end of the December. Typically, there is one day each semester
when Miller Child Learning Center is closed for staff development meetings.
Child Development Laboratory
CDL is open 8:30/8:45 a.m. to 11:30/11:45 a.m. (morning session)
and 1:15/1:30 p.m. to 4:15/4:30 p.m. (afternoon session) Monday
thru Thursday. Children
can attend CDL in either a morning or afternoon group.
back to top of page
Parent Involvement
We believe that you, as parents, are the primary educators of your
children. It is our function as teachers to support and facilitate
the development and education of your child. We need your input
and suggestions to do this well, and we value your suggestions and
observations. Because you are the expert when it comes to your child,
we function best when we are able to take advantage of your perceptions,
feelings, and observations about your child. We encourage you to
become actively involved in your preschool child's education.
back to top of page
Faculty and Staff
All staff members interact with the children and share responsibility
for their care, learning, and development. Head teachers have master's
degrees in child development or early childhood education and extensive
experience leading educational programs for young children. Assistant
teachers have bachelor's degrees in child development or early childhood
education.
CDFS Faculty and Staff Listing
back to top of page
Contact
Us
For information regarding ages, classes offered, availability,
waiting list, tuition, or other related topics, please contact the
individuals listed for the respective programs.
Child Development Laboratory
Janice Harlan, (765) 494-2945 or cdl@purdue.edu
Ben & Maxine Miller Child Learning Center
(765) 494-0240 or mclc@purdue.edu
back to top of page
Related Links
back to top of page
|
