Child Development Laboratory School

The Child Development Laboratory School is located in the Palmer HDFS Building, on Osborn Drive, Iowa State University campus. The facility includes four classrooms, the Children's Library, administrative offices, research rooms, laundry, and kitchen. The programs are sponsored by the College of Human Sciences, The Child Development Laboratory School Administrator is Ms. Jennifer VanRyswyk. The Faculty Coordinator is Dr. Gayle Luze, and the Parent Coordinator is Ms. Kim Venteicher. The Child Development Laboratory School is licensed by the The Iowa Department of Human Services and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The Lab School has received a Level 5 star rating from Iowa's Quality Rating System (QRS). In 2010, the program was recognized as one of ten exemplary programs in the United States for the Engaging Diverse Families project. The Lab School is a partner program with Ames Community School District in Iowa's Statewide Voluntary Preschool Program (SVPP). The Child Development Laboratory School has been in operation since 1924. Learn more about our history.

The mission of the Child Development Laboratory School in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) is to provide students with a hands-on experience working with and observing young children while serving as a model early childhood program for young children, including those with disabilities, and their families.
Learn more about the Lab School guiding principles

The Laboratory School offers full-day year-round programs for infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Individual child assessment using the Teaching Strategies GOLD guides curriculum planning based on the developmental needs of children and linked to the Iowa Early Learning Standards. The research based Second Step program is a part of the Lab School curriculum to teach social and emotional skills to children while Positive Behavior Supports are used as a tool to aid children exhibiting challenging behavior. Ages & Stages Questionnaire is utilized as a developmental and social-emotional screening tool.

 

Selection at the Lab School is by lottery with priority given to children with special needs and siblings of currently enrolled children. The exemplary demonstration programs are provided to offer observation and participatory experiences for Iowa State students preparing to be early childhood teachers and administrators, and child and family specialists. It also serves as a research site for the college and university.

Lab School Programs

• An all day, year round program for four infants and four toddlers is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program involves an age and gender balance and includes children with disabilities, selection is by lottery.
• An all-day, year-round program for twelve 2 and 3-year-old children is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The program involves an age and gender balance and includes children with disabilities; selection is by lottery.
• Two multi-age all-day, year-round preschool programs are available for eighteen 3, 4 and 5-year-old children operating from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day. The program involves an age and gender balance and includes children with disabilities; selection is by lottery.

Non-discrimination Statement
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. veteran. Inquiries can be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity and Diversity, 3680 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.  This institution is an equal opportunity provider.