Early Childhood Education Lab Program
A model of excellence for the care and education of young children
Welcome to our nationally accredited Early Childhood Education Lab, with locations at the North Las Vegas and Charleston Campuses. The ECE Lab offers programs for children age 6 months through 5 years and functions as a laboratory observation and practicum site for students studying early childhood education and related fields.
We have served CSN for over 40 years, providing:
- CSN students hands on, field based experiences in the ECE Lab Program
- Model care and education programs for children ages 6 months through 5 years
- Parent education and involvement programs
- Community partnerships
Purpose & Philosophy
The ECE Lab provides participants with education and resources that focus on the unique period of early childhood, and provides students, participating parents and the local ECE community opportunities for educational observation and practice. Administered with thoughtful respect for each person's uniqueness, a shared commitment to build positive relationships, and guided by the principles of developmentally appropriate practice, the program provides children and adults with rich learning experiences to foster all areas of development and education.
Program Operation
- Hours of operations are 7:30 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday.
- Year round operation with closures for state holidays, two week winter break, CSNs spring break and one week in August.
We are licensed by the State of Nevada Child Care Licensing.
To learn more, contact an ECE location below:
CSN Student Information
One of the primary purposes of the ECE Lab Program is to provide observation and participation opportunities for students enrolled in the ECE program.
- Students schedule observation and participation assignments from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm or 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday, unless other arrangements are made with an instructor, director or classroom teacher.
- Practicum and student-teachers may be assigned to a specific classroom for one semester with the agreement of the practicum advisor and the director.
- Students must sign the Observation/Participation Student Protocol Form and provide both photo identification and their assignment prior to admittance in the ECE Lab Program.
- Students who are not admitted to the ECE Lab Program will never be left with unattended children.
Children's Program
THE CURRICULUM
As a laboratory site, the ECE Lab Program does not adhere to any one curriculum method, rather we are familiar with and inspired by many trends in early childhood education and use a variety of resources to inform and assist with curriculum development. The primary goal for all curriculum planning is developmental and individual appropriateness for the particular age group.
We consider the individual needs of the children, family home values, beliefs, experiences, language and the social dynamics of the group. Teachers provide children with daily routines, environments and experiences that will best meet the needs of the specific age group and the individuals within the group. They address content areas such as social-emotional, health and safety, physical, language, early literacy, creative arts and expression, early mathematics, science, technology and social studies.
We adhere to NAEYC's guidelines for developmentally appropriate practices and use Nevada pre-kindergarten standards to assist in planning.
Parent involvement - This is a vital component of the ECE Lab Program. We involve and support families by promoting mutual respect, common goals, and shared responsibility as well as
hosting special family events and providing educational opportunities. Parents of enrolled children are required to attend a mandatory parent orientation, complete a parent education class and participate in their child's classroom.
Mixed Age Groupings - Children who are at least one year apart are typically placed into the same classroom group. This allows children to stay with the same teacher for several years.
Inclusion - We strive to make accommodations for any eligible child and to provide our available resources in conjunction with special education programs and other agencies. Families are to provide us with supportive documentation such as IEP or IFSP, special care and any other instructions that will allow us to best meet the individual needs of the child and family.
ENROLLMENT
The Charleston Campus site serves children ages 24 months through 4 years old*.
The North Las Vegas Campus site serves children ages 6 months through 4 years old*.
Waitlist Application
(* Children are grouped into classes based on their age September 30th, of the school year and remain with the same group the entire school year.)