Lab Schools are a vital foundation for Young Children's Education

Lab Schools are a vital foundation for Young Children's Education

City Colleges of Chicago offers High-Quality Child Development Laboratory Schools at Five Campuses, Open to students and the community

CHICAGO — As education systems across the country seek more effective, research-driven approaches to early childhood development, Laboratory (Lab) schools have emerged as a cornerstone for shaping young learners. City Colleges of Chicago offers child Development Laboratory Schools at five of its campuses, providing children age 2-5 with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences grounded in best practices and the latest research. Program include Head Start and Preschool for All. The next program year begins August 21, 2025. Spaces are limited. Waitlists are available.

“Enrolling my child in a LAB school was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my child’s education, “said Whitney Regis, parent of a LAB student. “The nurturing environment and thoughtful curriculum have helped my child grow socially, emotionally, and academically.”

“Our lab schools create an unparalleled learning ecosystem for young minds,” said Hollie Jaye, senior Advisor to City Colleges of Chicago Provost and dean of Education and Teacher programs at Harry S Truman College. “Children thrive in our settings because it is designed to align with how young children learn - through exploration, play, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.”

LAB schools are located within these City Colleges of Chicago campuses:

Richard J. Daley College

Child Development Lab School

7500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago IL 60652

773-838-7562 or 773-838-7561

Kennedy-King College

Child Development Lab School

710 W. 65th St., Bldg. Z, Chicago IL 60620

773-602-5481

Malcolm X College

Child Development Lab School

1900 W. Jackson, Chicago IL 60612

312-850-7176

Olive-Harvey College

Child Development Lab School

10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago IL 60628

773-291-6317

Truman College

Child Development Lab School

1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago IL 60640

773-907-4740

To learn more or enroll a child, visit www.cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning.

City Colleges of Chicago lab schools provide high-quality education to children while simultaneously offering a living laboratory for future educators, and researchers. This unique integration ensures that children benefit from cutting-edge educational methods grounded in child development science.

Why Lab Schools are unique and high quality:

· Child-Centered Learning: Lab schools emphasize active, inquiry-based learning tailored to each child’s developmental stage-fostering creativity, independence, and emotional intelligence.

· Highly Trained Educators: Teachers are well-prepared and continuously supported through collaboration with researchers and field experts.

· Research-Backed Practices: As real-time research environments, Lab schools are constantly evolving to reflect the most effective teaching strategies.

· Holistic Development: Programs support language, literacy to social-emotional growth, and executive function-laying a strong foundation for lifelong success.

City Colleges of Chicago’s LAB Schools not only provide high-quality early education but also serve as living laboratories for future educators, researchers, and developmental psychologists—ensuring that every child benefits from the most current and impactful educational methods.

For more information about the City Colleges of Chicago LAB schools, visit www.ccc.edu/menu/child-development-lab-schools/.

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