"The Lab School was our son's first experience with being away from Mom and Dad full time at age 2 1/2. We had searched for child care in Des Moines that we felt comfortable with to no avail. The Lab School was the only place we thought felt right for our son. It was a rough first month for Leo, but with the encouragement of his teachers (for him and for us as parents), we made it through with flying colors. They knew just what to do to make him happy and feel secure. And by having so many students around all the time, he got more attention than we ever dreamed possible. By the second month, he was begging to go to school every day and talking about his friends non-stop."
From Erich & Ramona Gaukel
"I am grateful for what my son, Christian, became after two years of attendance at the ISU Child Development Laboratory School. He is now your typical five-year old – playful and yet constantly reminded of what his teachers have told him to do. He requires minimal reminder in taking turns during play, and works well with his alphabets and numbers. He remembers the experience and excitement that he had with friends, teachers, staff, and the administrator at the school. I’m sure others will find the Lab School as an excellent early care and education program for your child."
From Teresita Chua
"The Iowa State University Child Development Laboratory School was a wonderful experience for our daughter. As very protective parents, we never worried that she was safe and well-taken care of. They continually implement cutting edge child development research. The Lab
School is a leader of what every single child care facility should strive to be. We are saddened that our daughter's experience there has ended!"
From Mike & Sheri Parsons
"My child and my family loved the Lab School! The staff and students were caring, creative, fun and very professional. Staff actively sought input from parents to help meet the needs of the children and families it served. I knew when I left my son in the morning he was in a stimulating learning environment and experiencing quality care. The Lab School experience well prepared my son for kindergarten socially, emotionally and intellectually. He made wonderful friends and loved his teachers. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity for my son."
From Kimberly Greder
"First my husband and I would like to say THANK YOU for providing our daughter with such a wonderful and loving learning environment! Sydney was barely 2 years old when she joined the Lab school and we were lucky enough to have her attend for a little over a year. She truly blossomed under the loving guidance of the teachers in her classroom.
Any time a parent leaves their young child in child care facility, or preschool, it is difficult and as a parent you often question is my child happy? Is she learning? Is she being cared for? We never had to ask ourselves these questions when Sydney was dropped off for school. She was anxious to see her friends and teachers! My husband and I could drop in anytime and see how happy she was, and the staff always made us feel welcome.
Thank you all for everything! You not only provide excellent education for children you provide a loving and secure environment for the whole family.
We miss everyone in the Lab School at Iowa State and will keep you close to our hearts always! Best of luck to you all and keep up the wonderful work!
"
From Lyndsey & Rondal Hale
""When I learned my grandson, Austin, 'won the lottery' for a Lab School position, I was absolutely thrilled! I understood the importance of guidance, encouragement, and stimulation early in a child’s life and knew he would have the best developmental opportunities from the best early childhood professionals in the state. The hands-on, activity-oriented projects were just perfect for an active little boy! From an observation booth, it was fascinating to watch Austin learn to interact with his peers, solving problems, sharing toys, and growing emotionally. He had the opportunity to make many friends from different cultures. The teachers and staff helped his parents and I learn how to give positive consistent reinforcement, encouraging self-discipline and responsibility. His kindergarten teacher says he’s one of the best readers and writers in her class and he has many, many friends! Thank you for your dedication to our children!""
From Susan Radke
"We will sorely miss the Lab School and the professionalism, competency, enthusiasm, and genuine commitment of the staff and teachers to participating children AND their families. We are grateful for your collective investment in our child, which has had a significant and positive impact on his social and intellectual development while at the same time providing us with effective parenting tools and strategies. We are convinced our family will reap even more rewards for years to come as a result of his early years at the Lab School. Thank you!"
From Kristjan & Corene Bregendahl
"Every child deserves to be in a program like the Iowa State University Child Development Laboratory School. When our daughter was diagnosed with developmental issues, we searched for an appropriate learning experience for her as well as support for our family. With the help of our doctors and the quality early intervention the Lab School provided, Rachel not only made amazing progress, she has been able to overcome what was once said to be a life long developmental disability. During this fragile time for our daughter, the school gave us the support we needed. The Lab School placed no limits on our child’s abilities and was able to work with our family to meet our goals. The Lab School is willing to do what it takes and go the extra mile to make a difference in a child’s life. The school provided us with the love, encouragement and support we needed and our family will be forever grateful."
From Mark and Melinda Debner
"We would like to take this time to thank everyone at ISU Child Development Laboratory School for providing Jack with a fabulous and loving environment these last two years. As parents it was difficult to leave our son at seven weeks, but knowing that he would be in a nurturing and safe environment helped ease those tensions. The knowledge that the teachers and staff at the Lab School are always available for concerns and truly care about the children and parents is a constant reminder that we picked the best child care available for our family!"
From Andrew & Jamie Hill
"The ISU Child Development Laboratory School has been an awesome opportunity and we are sad to leave. We credit the Lab School for Lauren's high rate of development--we have learned there is definitely a difference in child care centers and you guys are top rate! Thank you to all for helping with Lauren's classroom learning! We really appreciate everything you have done."
From Matthew and Darcy Palan
