A major function of the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) to train teachers of young children. Teacher candidates are students in the Institute of Child Development‘s early childhood undergraduate program or in the early childhood education MEd program.
Students are assigned to teach with a qualified lead teacher for a semester. During this period, the lead teacher works with the teacher candidates to help them develop teaching competencies.
As part of their experience, teacher candidates plan, implement, and evaluate individual and small group activities. They also are expected to assume the responsibilities of lead teacher for two weeks during the term. Thus, the curriculum in each classroom reflects the interests and needs of the lead teacher and teacher candidates.