Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/a-program-showcase-unh-child-study-and-development-center/5018478/
The current Child Study and Development Center (CSDC) facility opened in 1988, but was originally established as a demonstration teaching site in 1929. It serves as a child development laboratory for the University of New Hampshire: a place to educate students, support research, and serve the university and local communities. There are seven classrooms with observation booths, 122 children aged 6 weeks to 6 years in eight full- and part-time programs, and a staff of 20. The program is nationally accredited and known for its inquiry approach to early education.During the 2007-2008 year, CSDC hosted 450 student observations, 85 Family Studies internships, 100 educator tours, 250 Special Education consultant visits, and collaborations with seven other campus departments. According to Executive Director John Nimmo, “The uniqueness of our program comes partly from where we are located, in a rural state, with a relatively homogenous although quickly changing population.”
One focus has been on nature, and on engaging children in the natural environment in a way that recognizes how humans are part of nature. That interest led to a collaborative project with horticulturalists on a process of inquiry about the world of plants, called Growing a Green Generation. This project has resulted in ...