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You will often hear us refer to students and children throughout the CDLS program.  Children refers to our youngest learners, your children, that we have the privilege to learn alongside throughout the year. Students refers to our University of Minnesota college students and occasionally students from other programs around the twin cities, country, or the… Continue reading Student Involvement at CDLS

It has been six months since our two programs (SGM & CDC) have combined into a high-quality early learning program under one roof. The CDLS is a program that focuses on fostering the individual uniqueness of each child, their creative spirit, their cognitive and intellectual development, and utilizing the benefits that come from being part… Continue reading The Child Development Laboratory School: One Combined Program

The Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) full-day infant program is for children ages 3 months to 15 months. The program focuses on enriching early experiences through responsive caregiving practices and a relationship-based approach. Ultimately, the program strives to support infants during this critical period of development in forming secure attachment relationships. The program curriculum, routines, relationships and… Continue reading An introduction to CDLS’s infant program

Give Me Proof: Exploring What the Research Says About Nature-Based Learning: March 4, 2022 Sheila Williams Ridge, co-director of the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) will present in a webinar series titled, “Give Me Proof: Exploring What the Research Says About Nature-Based Learning.” The event will take place on March 4, 2022 at 9 a.m.… Continue reading Williams Ridge to present on nature-based learning in upcoming webinars

The University of Minnesota welcomed First Lady of the United States Dr. Jill Biden, along with U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, to its Twin Cities campus on Wednesday for a listening session to highlight the American Rescue Plan’s investments in child care. Biden’s… Continue reading First Lady Dr. Jill Biden visits CDLS to highlight importance of funding early childhood development and high-quality child care

The Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS) at the Institute of Child Development (ICD) has received a four-star rating from Parent Aware, the highest possible rating. Parent Aware is Minnesota’s Quality Rating and Improvement System, which aims to help families identify high-quality early care and education programs that are using research-based best practices. Participating programs can earn a one-,… Continue reading Child Development Laboratory School receives four-star Parent Aware rating

Lily Bray is the principal office and administrative specialist at the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS). In her role, she is likely the first person students, family, and staff interact with when entering the CDLS building. Learn more about Lily, her career path, and interests below. Q: How did your career path lead you to… Continue reading Meet CDLS Principal Office and Administrative Specialist: Q&A with Lily Bray

Sheila Williams Ridge, co-director of the Child Development Laboratory School (CDLS), was recently interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio’s Early Risers podcast. The segment discussed how race and implicit bias show up in the classroom, the ways in which teachers can learn to recognize their own biases, and how to talk to young children about race. During the conversation, Williams Ridge… Continue reading Williams Ridge interviewed on Minnesota Public Radio

In every classroom throughout the CDLS program, students are making a difference in the lives of children and families.   In some spaces students work directly with children and teachers as classroom assistants, practicum students, administrative support staff, or student teachers. There are other students who come to observe, research, and learn about the development of… Continue reading Celebrating our U of M students

Staff Appreciation Dinner  Thursday, Dec 16, 2021 At the CDLS parent meeting, several parents asked how they could support the teachers and school staff right now. To that end the CDLS parent association organized a staff pot-luck dinner at the school on the night of December 16th. Thank you so much for signing up to… Continue reading Upcoming events: Staff appreciation dinner and CDLS family bonfire