University-based child development laboratory programs have a long and rich history. Since their inception in the mid-1920's they have played a vital role in adding to our expanding knowledge base on child development and early childhood education. In addition to their instrumental functions in the generation of new knowledge, these programs have played significant roles in the professional development of future early childhood educators. Through a variety of mechanisms these programs provide students with opportunities to begin applying the theory and knowledge being presented in college courses to actual practice in working with programs serving young children and their families. In recent years campuses have reconsidered, reconceptualized, and restructured the ways in which these laboratory programs fit within the agendas and missions of the universities where they are located, the local communities surrounding the universities, and the child development and early childhood education professions in general.
The purpose of this volume is to present papers that identify emerging issues and challenges facing child development laboratory programs nationwide as they seek to solidify the roles they play within the child development and early childhood education fields. A goal of the volume is to present a collection of papers that can facilitate a dialogue among professionals on the ways in which child development laboratory programs can continue their important contributions toward the generation of new knowledge in child development and early childhood education, as well as support the professional development of students preparing for careers in these fields.

Child development laboratory schools are found on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. Over the last century, they have acquired a long, rich history. Originally seen as settings for the new field of child study in the early 1900s, their functions have evolved over time. These programs often play a central role in supporting teaching, research, and outreach/engagement activities in the fields of child development and early childhood education. Yet, many have had to fight for their existence when economic times have gotten difficult. Many long-running programs have had to close. This book provides a unique perspective on the purpose and function of child development laboratory schools and the potential of large-scale research to examine important world problems. The individual stories presented are real stories that offer reasonable solutions and ideas for maximizing the value of these venerable institutions. Most importantly, the authors demonstrate how child development laboratory schools can address the criticisms often lodged regarding their lack of relevancy and focus on real-life problems and solutions. The range of perspectives includes university faculty trying to maximize research that is applied in nature as well as redefining what and where a laboratory is, both in the university and in the community. The message is clear that child development laboratory schools are alive and well, and continuing to evolve.

Child development laboratory schools are found on college and university campuses throughout the U.S. Over the last century, they have acquired a long, rich history. Originally seen as settings for the new field of child study in the early 1900s, their functions have evolved over time. These programs often play a central role in supporting teaching, research, and outreach/engagement activities in the fields of child development and early childhood education. Yet, many have had to fight for their existence when economic times have gotten difficult. Many long-running programs have had to close. This book provides a unique perspective on the purpose and function of child development laboratory schools and the potential of large-scale research to examine important world problems. The individual stories presented are real stories that offer reasonable solutions and ideas for maximizing the value of these venerable institutions. Most importantly, the authors demonstrate how child development laboratory schools can address the criticisms often lodged regarding their lack of relevancy and focus on real-life problems and solutions. The range of perspectives includes university faculty trying to maximize research that is applied in nature as well as redefining what and where a laboratory is, both in the university and in the community. The message is clear that child development laboratory schools are alive and well, and continuing to evolve.

This volume is a collection of articles that showcase new research that is emerging from laboratory schools, guided by principles of applied developmental science. In the 1920's, new university laboratory preschools ushered in a modern era of child development research. Campus preschools with a research mission were home to seminal studies of children's play and age-related changes in children's abilities. They produced data about normative child development, along with evidence-based practical advice for teachers and parents. Now, nearly 100 years later, lab schools are still thriving in many colleges and universities as centers of research, education and care for young children, support for families, and practical education for students and teachers of young children. However, with tightening higher education budgets and changing research agendas, many lab schools are struggling to focus and balance these research, education, and service missions. The chapter authors illustrate a variety of ways that faculty and laboratory school early childhood educators are collaborating to do research to address critical issues in the early childhood field, including the preparation of the next generation of early childhood professionals. This book was originally published as a special issue of Early Education and Development.

Recent authoritative evidence suggests that an estimated 200 million children under five fail to achieve their developmental potential due to factors including poor health and nutrition and the lack of stable high quality care. A significant number of the world's children today lack the basic rights to health, development and protection. In light of such statistics, early childhood services for young children have expanded around the world. The SAGE Handbook of Early Childhood Policy draws critical attention to policy in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) its relationship to service provision and its impact on the lives of children and families. The perspectives of leading academics and researchers from Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Australasia and Asia have been arranged around five key themes: Part 1: The Relationship Between Research, Policy And Practice: Country Case Studies Part 2: Equitable Early Childhood Services: Intervention to Improve Children's Life Chances Part 3: Extending Practice: The Role of Early Childhood Services In Family Support Part 4: Participation, Rights and Diversity Part 5: Future Directions for Early Childhood Policy This handbook is essential reading for practitioners, stakeholders and others committed to working within early years services to achieve an awareness of policy and its implications for services and practice.