Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center
Early Childhood Program
Our early childhood curriculum is rooted in developmentally appropriate practice for all children, scaffolded learning opportunities, and research-based assessment tools.

Faculty Research
Faculty guide student lab experiences with children.
Early Childhood Lab Foundations
- Project and play based emergent curriculum
- Scaffolded and individualized learning opportunities with small groups
- Research-based assessment/screening tools
Curriculum Foundations
- Children learn by active play involvement in activities and small group targeted learning experiences
- Consistent routines and classroom structure utilizing Positive Behavior Support strategies that strengthen social and emotional learning and development
- Assessment regularly scheduled, authentic and documentary
- Children with specific needs are included in all activities and offered support that centers on their strengths
Reggio Emilia approach guides long term projects: Projects emerge from teacher developed ideas and child initiated emergent activities
Observation and Screening Tools: Observation and Screening Instruments are utilized to assess children’s developmental progress and ensure teaching practices are implemented that respond to children’s individual growth patterns and learning styles.
COR Observational Assessment Tool: The Child Observation Record (COR) is a research supported observation-based assessment tool that includes all areas of development. Children are observed by undergraduate students and teachers. Developmental areas include: Approaches to learning, social and emotional relations, creative representation, movement and music, language and literacy, mathematics and science knowledge. Observations are ongoing throughout the school year and conclude with a summary at the end of the school year.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire: Hume House uses The Ages and Stages Questionnaire for screening children between the ages of two to five. The ASQ screens children for developmental delays in gross motor, fine motor, personal social, problem solving and communication areas of development. We request parents complete an ASQ prior to enrollment. We provide the appropriate age screening tool and review results with parents prior to enrollment. Teachers will re-screen children during the school year. Please see the ASQ Web site for a sample screening.
Literacy/Math Assessment: Learning Without Tears, for children in the Pre-Kindergarten year.
Developmental Checklist: Completed once each year to assess milestone achievement by age.
Screening resource: https://screenourkids.org/checklist/