Brent A. McBride - Böcker

University-based child development laboratory programs have a long and rich history. Since their inception in the mid-1920's they have played a vital role in adding to our expanding knowledge base on child development and early childhood education. In addition to their instrumental functions in the generation of new knowledge, these programs have played significant roles in the professional development of future early childhood educators. Through a variety of mechanisms these programs provide students with opportunities to begin applying the theory and knowledge being presented in college courses to actual practice in working with programs serving young children and their families. In recent years campuses have reconsidered, reconceptualized, and restructured the ways in which these laboratory programs fit within the agendas and missions of the universities where they are located, the local communities surrounding the universities, and the child development and early childhood education professions in general. The purpose of this volume is to present papers that identify emerging issues and challenges facing child development laboratory programs nationwide as they seek to solidify the roles they play within the child development and early childhood education fields. A goal of the volume is to present a collection of papers that can facilitate a dialogue among professionals on the ways in which child development laboratory programs can continue their important contributions toward the generation of new knowledge in child development and early childhood education, as well as support the professional development of students preparing for careers in these fields.

Child development laboratory schools are found on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. Over the last century, they have acquired a long, rich history. Originally seen as settings for the new field of child study in the early 1900s, their functions have evolved over time. These programs often play a central role in supporting teaching, research, and outreach/engagement activities in the fields of child development and early childhood education. Yet, many have had to fight for their existence when economic times have gotten difficult. Many long-running programs have had to close.This book provides a unique perspective on the purpose and function of child development laboratory schools and the potential of large-scale research to examine important world problems. The individual stories presented are real stories that offer reasonable solutions and ideas for maximizing the value of these venerable institutions. Most importantly, the authors demonstrate how child development laboratory schools can address the criticisms often lodged regarding their lack of relevancy and focus on real-life problems and solutions. The range of perspectives includes university faculty trying to maximize research that is applied in nature as well as redefining what and where a laboratory is, both in the university and in the community. The message is clear that child development laboratory schools are alive and well, and continuing to evolve.