The Shirley G. Moore Laboratory School at the University of Minnesota is sponsored by the Institute of Child Development. The Institute has been a national focal point of child study since its inception in 1925, and the Lab School has made a substantial contribution to this effort. Its primary functions are:

• demonstrating exemplary early childhood practices and providing a sound educational setting for preschool children
• training teachers of young children at both the graduate and undergraduate levels
• serving as an active center of child study and research.

Parents, teachers, and researchers from around the state, nation, and world look to the Laboratory School to determine the best practices in early childhood education. Our high-quality program integrates the latest knowledge of young children's cognitive, affective, and physical development.

Our primary goal is to convey to children the value, challenge, and excitement of learning. We provide developmentally oriented education to approximately 100 two- to five-year-old children each year. Our curriculum is based on discovery, guided exploration, and play. Classroom experiences and activities are designed to allow children to develop at their own pace in such areas as personal affective skills and values, academic and cognitive skills, and group values and relationships. Children develop positive attitudes and habits as they work and play together in an environment designed for physical, cognitive, and social growth. Although the school appears informal, the program and environment are the result of careful planning and structuring to meet individual and group goals.

We are committed to providing opportunities for children with special needs and children who are typically developing to learn and play together. Places are reserved for children through the Minneapolis Early Childhood Special Education Program. Laboratory School teachers work collaboratively with Minneapolis specialists in designing and implementing inclusive programs.

Children join the program between the ages of two and four. They reflect the cultural and racial diversity of a large metropolitan area and University community. The program is enriched through this variety of life styles and ethnic groups.

The hours the children attend the program are 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. for the morning groups and from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. for the afternoon classes.

The classes range in size from 14 to 18 children. Children are individually assigned to the class that will offer them the best opportunities for growth and learning. The program strives to maintain classroom balance in terms of age, sex, and ethnicity.

The child's day is divided among four major activities: free play or discovery time, group times, snack, and outdoor time. The facilities consist of three large, well-equipped classrooms, a gym, and two outdoor play areas.

The staff for each class consists of a head teacher and two or three student teachers. All head teachers are highly knowledgeable about child development and experienced in working with young children in classroom settings. We believe that most important quality of the teaching staff is their warmth and sensitivity to the needs of young children and their families.

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The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. c.2001 Regents of the University of Minnesota, Institute of Child Development. All rights reserved. comments to:web coordinator