How the Child Development Program Works
The
Child Development program is a dual educational experience in
which preschool children and high school students learn together, with
major benefits for both sets of students. High school students with career interests in early childhood, pediatric medicine, psychology, social work, education and parenting enroll in Child Development. Students learn the classic theories of developmental psychologists and learning
scholars, lesson planning skills and developmentally appropriate practices
for use with preschool aged children. These skills are actively practiced
as the students plan and implement lessons for the children.
Pre-kindergarten
children are exposed to planned, creative early learning activities
in
a wholesome, nurturing, exciting environment in which they receive approximately
a two to one teacher/student ratio. The three and one half hour
program offers a gradual immersion into group activities and allows
children
to thrive
at their own pace while making new friends, enjoying new experiences
and
preparing for kindergarten.
The
2008-09 high school classes will contain 24 to 30 students per 45
minute class period. The preschool day consists of four high
school class periods. High school students are split into four
different teaching groups, which rotate every two days. Each period,
a group
of
six to eight students per period are actively teaching the eighteen pre-kindergarten
children. Groups that are not teaching are engaged in either a guided
research assignment, lab school observation duties or planning activities.
These rotations mimic the professional teacher routines found in
developmentally
appropriate learning centers, with one wonderful exception... we provide
up to a 1:2 teacher/student ratio!
The Child
Development lab school program is self sufficient financially, and is
one 
hundred percent supported by the tuition fee paid by each child
annually. All school supplies, arts and crafts materials, furniture,
books, toys, games, planning books, copier supplies and snacks are purchased
with these funds. The high school program is funded through MCPS general
educational accounts which provide office supplies, high school texts,
instructional materials, adult furniture etc.
Please feel free to call Mrs. Mangene at 301-840-4545 if you have additional questions regarding the Child Development program operation.