Child Development and Student Research Center

Mission

As a laboratory of the Department of Psychology at Rollins College, the Child Development & Student Research Center (CDC) creates opportunities for students, children, families and faculty of the College.  Our mission is to foster growth and leanring for undergraduates and children, and to support families with young children in our community. Students grow in their understanding of human development and learning. Children have innnovative and creative experiences that foster growth and individual learning.  Families are supported by our exceptional teaching staff through the research of faculty and students. There are opportunities for faculty to educate students in observation research skills, the design and implementation of research projects, and nurturing relationships between students, young children, their families and community organizations.

Philosophy

For young children

Children are capable and independent people.  Children learn through interactive play. The CDC provides enriched experiences with large group, small group, and individual activities. Projects are developed from the interests of the children and teachers.  Daily activities include explorations into light, sound, the dramatic arts, visual arts. and the natural world. We nurture a positive self-concept, a love for learning, and social success for each child in their peer group.

For undergraduates

Rollins College educates students for global citizenship and responsible leadership, empowering graduates to pursue meaningful lives and productive careers. We are committed to the liberal arts ethos and guided by its values and ideals. Our guiding principles are excellence, innovation, and community. The Child Development Center Lab contributes to this mission by offering undergraduates the opportunity for research on campus and in the local community. The staff of the Child Development Center Lab contributes to the research opportunities of all students by providing educational support for individual projects in all academic areas of study.

History and Overview

The Child Development Center was established in 1975 as a laboratory preschool for the undergraduates in the Psychology Department at Rollins College. We serve children between the ages of two and five years. Under the guidance of Professor Sharon Carnahan, Professor Alice Davidson, and our early childhood specialist, undergraduates study child development as they play and facilitate each child's growth within the early childhood program. It is a typical day at the Child Development Center when parents and visitors see one-on-one interaction and learning for both the young children and our undergraduate students. Learning is individualized for both the children and the undergraduates. Undergraduates and children form lasting friendships and bonds that translate into learning about friendship and other cultures.