Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lab Program

Smiling children

A Model of Excellence for the Care and Education of Young Children
 
Baby playing peek a boo

Discover CSN’s nationally accredited Early Childhood Education (ECE) Lab Program—where learning begins and futures are built. Located at our North Las Vegas Campus (Charleston location temporarily closed), our Lab School provides a nurturing, high-quality early education experience for children ages 3 months to 5 years, while serving as a dynamic training ground for the next generation of educators.

For over 40 years, we’ve been a trusted resource for families and a hub of innovation in early childhood education, inspiring young minds and empowering future educators by offering:

  • Exceptional care and curriculum that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and confidence
  • Real-world teaching experience for CSN students pursuing careers in education and child development
  • Family-first programming with hands-on involvement, workshops, and support
  • Community connections that link families to valuable resources and services

Whether you’re a parent seeking a safe and stimulating environment for your child, or a student preparing to lead the classrooms of tomorrow—CSN’s ECE Lab is here to support your journey.

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

  • We now serve 3 months to 5 years
  • Hours of operations are 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, Monday through Friday.
  • Year round operation with closures for state holidays, two week winter break, CSNs spring break and one week in August.
  • For a detailed view of our current school year schedule, please click here to access the calendar. 

We are licensed by the State of Nevada Child Care Licensing.

To learn more, contact an ECE location below:

North Las Vegas Campus Site
ECE Lab School Program
3200 E. Cheyenne Avenue
Sort Code CYS149
North Las Vegas, NV 89030
702-651-4004
Email

Charleston Campus Site
ECE Lab Program - Temporarily Closed
The Charleston location is currently temporarily closed.
However, the phone line and email remain active for families interested in future enrollment or program information
702-651-7390
Email

Child playing with blocks

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.

The Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program Employment and Training (SNAPET) is a new partnership with the Nevada Department of Welfare and Supportive Services that can assist under-resourced students in acquiring skills and education.  Administered by the Department of Counseling and Retention Services, counselors assist SNAPET participants with academic, career, enrollment, and referral assistance.

Students who are currently receiving SNAPET benefits or who may be interested in learning more about the SNAPET program and other resources offered through Counseling and Retention Services should

Three toddlers finger walking with staff
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 the Nevada Infant and Toddler Early Learning Guidelines and the 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

parent feeding child

 hosting special family events and providing educational opportunities. Parents of enrolled children are asked to attend a mandatory parent orientation then they are invited to attend parent education classes 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 North Las Vegas Campus site serves children ages 3 months to 5 years old*. Early Childhood Education Lab Program North Las Vegas Program Description

The Charleston Campus site serves children ages 21 months to 5 years old*. Early Childhood Education Lab Program West Charleston Program Description
ECE Lab Program – Temporarily Closed

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. 

Click Here for the Waitlist Application