Child Development & 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 learning with students, children, families and faculty of the College.  Our mission is to foster growth and learning for undergraduates, children of all developmental abilities, 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 fosters individual growth and learning.  Families are supported by our exceptional teaching staff through the research of faculty and students.

Philosophy

For young children

Children are capable and independent people. All children learn through interactive play. The CDC provides enriched experiences with large group, small group, and individual activities. Projects emerge from the interests of the children and are encouraged by interactive teachers.  Daily activities include explorations into light, sound, the dramatic arts, visual arts. and the natural world. We nurture a positive self-concep for all children, 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 experienced faculty, director and our early childhood staff, 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. Children with special needs are fully included in all activities and learning is individualized for optimum growth. Undergraduates and children form lasting friendships and bonds that translate into learning about friendship and other cultures.