Rollins Opens Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center

Rollins’ new Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center (CDC) will welcome its first students today. Located on the corner of Holt and New York avenues in Winter Park, Hume House is a laboratory of the Department of Psychology. The new state-of-the-art facility will create opportunities for research and learning with undergraduate students, children of all abilities, and faculty of the College.

The College will host a building dedication for Hume House on Monday, March 6, at 11 a.m.

The new 5,050-square-foot building replaces the former Child Development and Student Research Center, which was used for the program since 1987. The new and expanded location includes three children’s classrooms, a playground, and an undergraduate classroom, as well as research and office space. The $1.6 million center was paid for through private donations. The architect for the project was BCA Architecture of Maitland.

“We are pleased that our students and the children and families served by this program have an updated, spacious facility that will benefit the children who attend our center today and our future professionals of tomorrow,” said Rollins President Grant Cornwell.

Hume House is the only laboratory preschool at a private, four-year liberal arts school in Florida. Within the International Association of Laboratory Schools (IALS), there are approximately 50 laboratory preschools at liberal arts colleges. Hume House serves children between the ages of 2 and 5 and is inclusive of children with disabilities. Priority enrollment is given to the children of staff, faculty, students, and alumni of Rollins.

“The Child Development Center is a full research facility offering hands-on learning to teach students to understand the reasons behind their own and others' behavior, become competent and critical decision makers, respect human diversity, and improve the care of children in our community,” said Sharon Carnahan, Hume House executive director and psychology professor. The CDC welcomes research and practice partners.

For more information on the program, please visit rollins.edu/child-development-student-research-center.