Child Development Lab School
The Child Development Center provides high-quality child development and child-care services for children and serves as a model demonstration site for students studying child development. The lab school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Contact us:
Clovis Community College
Child Development Building
10309 N. Willow Ave.
Fresno, CA 93730
Tel: 559-325-5240
| Day | open Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Friday | 7:30 am - 12:30 pm |
Childcare for Toddlers & Preschoolers
We offer full day care for toddlers and preschoolers
We offer a half-day care program from 8:00 am - 12:00 pm only for children 3-5 years of age
You may choose from the following:
- 5 days (Monday thru Friday)
- 3 days (Monday, Wednesday & Friday)
- 2 days (Tuesdays & Thursdays)
History & Facilities
The Child Development Center opened in the fall of 2007. It includes 2 lecture rooms, 2 observation rooms, and the 3 classroom lab school. The six-million dollar facility was funded through a collaboration with the State Department of Education, Clovis Unified School District, State Center Community College District, and First Five of Fresno and serves a dual role; providing high-quality child development and child-care services for children and as a model demonstration site for students studying child development. The lab school is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Our Philosophy
Our view of children's development and learning is based on our beliefs which are founded on research and are supported by development theory. It is our belief that young children are competent individuals who grow and learn through exploring and investigating the world around them. We view each child as unique with their own pattern of development, influenced by their socio-cultural experiences. We value each child and their family and desire a connection between home and school. We are committed to supporting children's social-emotional growth and wellbeing.
We believe that:
- Children learn best through hands-on play and are motivated by curiosity.
- Teachers are co-researchers who support and facilitate learning and conflict resolution.
- Environments are intentionally planned to provoke a sense of wonder, inspire creativity, and promote self-direction, allowing children the freedom to follow their own interests and imaginations.
- The curriculum is driven by the needs, interests, and abilities of the children as carefully observed by the teachers.
- Children can and should learn to respect and care for the environment, each other, and their work.
Our Philosophy is a fluid document that is responsive to emerging theory and research as well as to the diversity of our families and staff and their needs and expertise.
Our Staff
Our Early Childhood Specialists hold a minimum of a Bachelor's in Child Development or related field with child development course work. Our Early Childhood Associate Teachers hold a minimum of an Associate Degree in Child Development. Early Childhood Specialists, Associate Teachers, and student interns work with children, as do college students who are in training at the lab school. Our administrative staff includes our Child Development Lab School Manager who oversees the Child Development Lab School.
The Child Development students and instructors use the program in three different ways:
- Students observe teacher/child interactions, play, and use of materials and the environment for course work.
- Students act as teacher assistants while taking practicum courses working under the supervision of the instructor of the course and the Early Childhood Specialist. Practicum Student teachers interact with the children and plan and implement the curriculum.
- Child Development interns work part-time in the Child Development Lab School to gain experience and obtain the hours needed to apply for a California Child Development Permit through the Department of Education Teacher Credentialing Department.
Admission & Eligibility
The Child Development Lab School gives enrollment priority to the following three groups:
- Children of Clovis Unified School District employees.
Enrollment in this group is handled through the CUSD Child Development Department. - State Center Community College students taking a minimum of 6 units per semester.
- State Center Community College staff and faculty.
Admission is based on availability and once the child is determined to be:
- Between the ages of 19 months and 5 years of age
- Ready for the type of group experience that the Child Development Lab School offers
- Able to benefit from the program
- Competent in toileting (preschool classrooms only)
Waitlist Applications are available at the Child Development Lab School or through the online waitlist application form. Please download and complete this form and email it to ccccdc@cloviscollege.edu. Once the lab school is full a waitlist is maintained. Applications must be resubmitted each March to remain on the waitlist. Incomplete applications will be eliminated.
| Toddler / Young Preschool* | Half-Day Preschool | Full-Day Preschool |
|---|---|---|
| 19 - 30 months / Fall semester | 3-5 year-olds | 3-5 year-olds |
| 24 - 36 months / Spring semester | 8:00 am - 12:00 pm | 7:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| $33.00 per day | $25.00 per day | $30.00 per day |
There is a $20.00 registration fee due each semester.
The center is closed for all State Center Community College District holidays and two days each semester for staff professional development opportunities.
Summer sessions are determined by the district course offerings.
*As an early childhood training institute, the enrollment ages for this classroom change from toddler to young preschool in the spring, to meet the needs of the college courses taught.
Download the Child Development Lab School Parent Handbook for additional information about the center’s policies and requirements for admission.
