Human Development and Family Sciences

Overview

Philosophy

The Christine DeVitt and Helen DeVitt Jones Child Development Research Center believes that children develop to their highest potential in a nurturing atmosphere which fosters mutual respect and an appreciation for the uniqueness and capabilities of the individual.

Thus one of our primary goals is to provide an individualized developmental program for each child we serve, including mildly and moderately handicapped children and children from culturally and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Using the High/Scope curriculum, a widely recognized successful approach to early education, children are encouraged to be “active learners,” to have daily opportunities to decide what they want to do. The fundamental premise is that children learn best from experiences which they plan and carry out themselves. Thus the role of the teacher is to build upon each child's existing strengths and accomplishments, using their activities as the springboard for further development. Through individual, small group, and large group experiences, teachers initiate activities designed to meet the needs of every child involved, with an emphasis on facilitating the development of the total child--physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.

Learning through play, through exploring the environment, and through interacting with others are essential components. Children progress at their own pace as they are supported and encouraged to participate in both child-selected and adult-initiated activities. In order to further the children's knowledge, these experiences are planned by teachers based on the child's interest, current development and developmental goals.

The Department of Human Development and Family Sciences in the College of Human Sciences operates a Child Development Research Center (CDRC) which provides educational/developmental programs for approximately 80 families with children from birth through five years of age. The CDRC serves as a site for instructional experiences for university students who work with children in laboratory, student teaching, and practicum courses. In addition, the Center provides interdisciplinary research opportunities for faculty and graduate students.

The CDRC is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Program Accreditation. The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators. The CDRC is also licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) and serves as a Rising Star Vendor for Child Care Services.

Accreditation

Early childhood programs accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs have voluntarily undergone a comprehensive process of internal self-study, invited external professional review to verify compliance with The Academy's Criteria for High Quality Early Childhood Programs, and been found to be in substantial compliance with the Criteria. A copy of the Criteria can be obtained from the Academy.

In Accredited programs, you will see:

• frequent, positive, warm interactions among adults and children
• planned learning activities appropriate to children's age and development, such as block building, painting, reading stories, dress-up, and active, outdoor play
• specially trained teachers
• enough adults to respond to individual children
• many varied age-appropriate materials
• a healthy and safe environment for children
• nutritious meals and/or snacks
• regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors at all times
• effective administration
• ongoing, systematic evaluation

To learn more about accreditation, contact:
National Academy for the Accreditation of Early Childhood Programs
1509 16th Street NW
Washington, DC 20036-1426
(800) 424-2460
www.naeyc.org

Accreditation is valid for 5 years from the date of issue on the accreditation certificate.

The National Academy of Early Childhood Programs/NAEYC is not connected with and is not responsible for the administration, acts, personnel, property, or practices of accredited centers.

Service

Since its beginning, the Center has been a model for developmentally appropriate early childhood programs in the community and region. Besides providing training for future early childhood professionals, Center staff frequently conduct workshops and seminars on child development for parents, schools and community groups.

The CDRC is accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs. The Academy is a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), the nation's largest organization of early childhood educators. The CDRC is also licensed by the Texas Department of Family & Protective Services (TDFPS). In terms of child-teacher ratio, environment, learning experience, program and teacher training, the center provides the optimum environment for young children.