The Ruth Staples Child Development LaboratoryWhat is a Laboratory School? The Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory is a high quality children's program where college students train to be teachers and scholars learn more about young children through research. Our nationally accredited program offers full and half day childcare services for children two and one-half through five years. As a teacher training facility, university students take an active role in the classrooms by planning, implementing, and evaluating activities with the children, under the supervision of our outstanding faculty. Why choose an NAEYC-accredited program? NAEYC accreditation is an indicator of a high quality program. Only 9% of child care programs are accredited nationwide. The accreditation process examines the total program, emphasizing quality interactions among staff and children and a developmentally appropriate curriculum--what really happens to the children. What is special about Ruth Staples Child Development Laboratory? Our Teachers Master teachers supervise both classrooms at Ruth Staples. These teachers have a minimum of a masters degree and extensive experience working with young children. Graduate students pursuing either a masters or doctoral degree assist with overall supervision and planning. Students earning their degree in child development or early childhood education are also engaged in the classroom, receiving on-going feedback, training, and guidance from our master teachers. We exceed state licensing requirements and NAEYC recommendations for the adult to child ratio in our classrooms assuring that your child receives individualized attention every day. Our Curriculum Children are purposefully engaged in play in our classrooms. We know that children learn best in the context of play and our teachers are skilled at planning activities that stimulate growth and learning. An inquiry based curriculum engages children through projects and activities building upon the children's questions and interests. We do much more than help children learn numbers, shapes, and colors. We help children learn how to learn: to question why and discover alternative answers; to get along with others; and to use their developing language, thinking, and motor skills. We build children's confidence as learners. Activities allow ample time for children to work and play individually or in small groups, with a focus on child initiated activities. We meet or exceed all Early Learning Guidelines developed by the state of Nebraska. Our Facility The moment you walk in our door you will see we are a special place for children and their families. In addition to our classrooms children can visit specialized areas such as a large motor room, indoor wading pool and art studio. Children have daily outdoor play in our spacious, state-of-the-art playground, and the Angeline Anderson Children's Garden. The Garden provides opportunities for children to observe, wonder, and marvel in their relationship with nature. Our Families Families are always welcome in our program. Each classroom has an observation booth where you can observe through one-way windows. You can also join us in the classroom. Communication happens through many avenues such as monthly PACT (Parents and Children Together) meetings, family potluck dinners, weekly newsletters, and parent-teacher conferences. Program teachers and the director are always willing to meet with families. Your input is important to us and we ask you to evaluate the program each year to determine areas for improvement. Diversity The Ruth Staples Child Development Lab welcomes children, families, students, and staff of diverse ethnic, religious, economic, and social backgrounds, and abilities. Diversity in the program enriches the community of learning for everyone. Students and staff are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the diversity they experience, and to reflect upon their own backgrounds and the potential impact of their beliefs and assumptions upon the children, families, and students with whom they work. |
*I rave about the CDL to everyone I know! *My child has thrived at Ruth Staples! *This is a model program! Hours of Operation Half Day Child Program Monday-Friday 7:30 - 12:30 1st week of fall classes through the month of June Closed during university holidays, finals week, semester break, and spring break. For more information or to Schedule a Tour contact: Dr.
Michelle Rupiper, Director Lainey Bomberger
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