Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center
As a laboratory of the Department of Psychology at Rollins College, the Hume House Child Development & Student Research Center creates opportunities for research and learning with undergraduate students, children of all abilities and faculty of the College.
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Engaging Activities
Children participate in activities that stimulate learning, foster creativity and encourage understanding of concepts.
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Reggio Emilia Philosophy
Our Reggio approach to curriculum leads to emergent long-term projects and in-depth exploration.
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Close Interactions with Teachers and Students
Children participate in healthy activities with valuable interactions with teachers.
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Mission
The CDC is a laboratory preschool that (1) educates Rollins students about child development theory and practice through hands-on research; (2) provides the highest quality diverse and inclusive preschool for families in the Rollins and local communities; and (3) promotes community understanding of current research and best practices in early child development.
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History
The Child Development & Student Research Center was established in 1975 as a laboratory preschool for undergraduates in the Psychology Department at Rollins College. We serve children between the ages of two and five years. Children with special needs are fully included in all activities and learning is individualized for optimum growth.
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Hands-On Learning
The Child Development & Student Research Center is a laboratory of the Department of Psychology and is one of several active, hands-on laboratories directed by the Department.
Curriculum Foundations
Our early childhood curriculum is rooted in developmentally appropriate practice for all children, scaffolded learning opportunities, and research-based assessment tools.
- Children learn by active play involvement in activities and small group targeted learning experiences
- Consistent routines and classroom structure utilizing Positive Behavior Support strategies strengthen social and emotional learning and development
- Assessment is regularly scheduled, authentic and documentary
- Children with specific needs are included in all activities and offered support that centers on their strengths
Early Childhood Lab Foundations
Our laboratory preschool provides undergraduate students of Rollins College with opportunities for learning about early child development. To support learning for children and undergraduates, we utilize:
- Project and play based emergent curriculum
- Scaffolded and individualized learning opportunities with small groups
- Research-based assessment/screening tools
Reggio Emilia approach guides long term projects
Projects emerge from teacher-developed ideas and child-initiated emergent activities.
Observation and Screening Tools
Observation and Screening Instruments are utilized to assess children’s developmental progress and ensure teaching practices are implemented that respond to children’s individual growth patterns and learning styles.
COR Observational Assessment Tool
The Child Observation Record (COR) is a research-supported observation-based assessment tool that includes all areas of development. Children are observed by undergraduate students and teachers. Developmental areas include: Approaches to learning, social and emotional relations, creative representation, movement and music, language and literacy, mathematics and science knowledge. Observations are ongoing throughout the school year and conclude with a summary at the end of the school year.
Ages and Stages Questionnaire
Hume House uses The Ages and Stages Questionnaire for screening children between the ages of two to five. The ASQ screens children for developmental delays in gross motor, fine motor, personal social, problem-solving and communication areas of development. We request parents complete an ASQ before enrollment. We provide the appropriate age screening tool and review results with parents before enrollment. Teachers will re-screen children during the school year. Please see below for an ASQ sample screening.
ASQ Sample ScreeningLiteracy/Math Assessment
Learning Without Tears, for children in the Pre-Kindergarten year.
Developmental Checklist
Completed once each year to assess milestone achievement by age.
Faculty and Staff
Telephone:407.646.2515
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Alice Davidson, PhD
Professor of Psychology, Executive Director of the Child Development & Student Research Center
Research interests: personal narratives to understand children’s peer relations and social-emotional well-being
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Diane Terorde Doyle, MA
Director of the Child Development & Student Research Center
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Lauren Duhon, BA
Lead Teacher, Pre-K Teacher
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Felysha Lenis, BS
Lead Teacher, Hume House Social Media Manager
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Nayeli Brown, BA
Lead Teacher
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Ruth James, BEd
Assistant Teacher, Pre-K Teacher
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Angele Triassi O'Callahan, BS
Assistant Teacher
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Jerica Stone, AS
Assistant Teacher
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Ashley Wood, BA
Floater, Afternoon Coordinator
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Julie Lavra Pease, MEd
Inclusion Coordinator
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Gretchen Forsythe, MS
Substitute Teacher
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Laurie Pritchard, MS
Evening EduCare Director
