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The College of Human Environmental Sciences
University of Missouri-Columbia

University of Missouri-Columbia
Department of Human Development and Family Studies
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Transitioning Children

Thank you for your interest in the Child Development Lab (CDL) at the University of Missouri.

The CDL is an educational setting for community children and a teaching and research laboratory for University students, faculty and staff. The CDL operates a full-day, full-year teacher-training lab school affiliated with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) within the College of Human Environmental Sciences (HES).

The CDL is licensed and accredited and was rated as one of the top ten child care centers in the nation by Child Magazine in 1992. The CDL serves 90 families with children from six weeks of age through third grade. Promoting high quality early education in a model setting is a primary goal.

CDL Mission

The mission of the CDL parallels the service, teaching and research missions of the University of Missouri. We strive to facilitate the teaching and research missions of the University, to promote the professional growth of undergraduate and graduate students, and to secure strong foundations for children and their families.

The intent of our program is to encourage and support the development of each child and to provide opportunities for self-exploration and discovery. An assumption of the program is that children are active and curious; it is our goal to provide learning experiences designed to stimulate the child's creative learning abilities.

The overall development (cognitive, social-emotional, physical, creative) of the child is considered and planned for through a variety of activities. It is our objective to learn the needs of the individuals in our program and to plan for the successful fulfillment of those needs. Positive development of the child's image of self is of prime importance in the program and is a priority in all aspects of program planning.

Growth and Development

The young child is a member of his family. It is our aim to work with the family in creating the best possible environment for the child while at the lab. The staff and students of the CDL are concerned with the total and unique growth and development of each child by promoting:

  • Cognitive development:

    • Learning to solve problems and form concepts.
    • Developing language and communication skills.
    • Discovering and exploring the near environment.
  • Social-emotional development:

    • Developing self-esteem and personal adjustment skills.
    • Achieving self-confidence in relationships.
    • Developing a sense of responsibility and persistence in completing tasks.
  • Physical development:

    • Developing hand and body coordination.
    • Learning physical skills.
    • Learning good health habits.
  • Creative development:

    • Expressing ideas through creative skills.
    • Expressing self through creative medium.
    • Developing the ability to think and act in different and unique ways.

Child Development Laboratory
University of Missouri-Columbia
31 Stanley Hall
Columbia, MO 65211
573-882-4318

See also: Enrollment Policy, FAQ, History, About and Resource Links.

 
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Copyright © 2004 The Curators of the University of Missouri  •  Revised: 08 Jan. 2004.  •  Comments?