Lab School
Welcome to the University of Delaware Lab School! The Lab School serves the University of Delaware as a model of inclusive early childhood education addressing the needs and strengths of varied populations. We welcome children aged 6 months – 6 years and their families into our developmentally supportive part-time and full-time programs that range from infants to kindergarten. We are an innovation lab supporting the growth and development of University students while serving children, families, and the community. Since 1934, Lab School has supported UD’s academic programs preparing the next generation of professionals while providing a diverse, supportive, and accessible site for research conducted by faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and the Lab School staff.
Lab School is part of the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences (HDFS) within the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Delaware. The Master Teachers enact the practices taught to the undergraduate majors with a focus on child-centered curriculum, developmentally appropriate practices, Nature-based education, social-emotional, and mindfulness curriculum. Lab School is a living, breathing laboratory for undergraduates who are making connections between what they learn in their courses and real-life teaching.
LATEST LAB SCHOOL NEWS
Inspire Learning Through Outdoor Play
Research Spotlight: Jennifer Gallo-Fox and Dorit Radnai-Griffin
In Bloom in Delaware
In Memoriam: Cynthia Paris
SOCIAL MEDIA
Lab School Facebook
“The UD Lab School is beyond anything I could have ever hoped for my children. Everyday, I am inspired by the teaching teams’ commitment to demonstrating and teaching mindfulness, connecting children to nature, bringing them together in authentic child-led interactions and discovery and developing a sense of community among the families.”
— BethAnn Aupperle, Lab School parent
All of our programs support the types of play highlighted here!
How has outdoor nature play impacted your family??
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This week, the American Academy of Pediatrics released updated guidance on recess and outdoor play for the first time in 13 years. Their message was clear: outdoor play is not extra. It is essential. Children need time outside to move, regulate, imagine, collaborate, take risks, solve problems, and simply be children. The AAP emphasized that unstructured outdoor play supports mental health, emotional regulation, social development, and even academic success. For years, many schools have moved toward more sitting, more structure, and less freedom. But the research keeps pointing us back to what children have always needed: more movement, more nature, more play, more time. This is why we protect long stretches of child-led outdoor play in our program. Not because it looks impressive. Because it works. If your school is looking to incorporate more meaningful outdoor play, nature-based learning, or forest school programming, we would love to connect. Reach out to learn more about partnering with The Way Back Project – Forest School For All. #thewaybackproject #protectchildhood #rage #schoolrecess #forestschool
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Yesterday we were lucky enough to learn from an oceanography expert Andrew Wozniak from the University of Delaware College of Earth, Ocean and Environment. Earlier this year he dove, with his team, to the bottom of the ocean and discovered volcanic activity. He showed us what is what like at the bottom of the ocean and we learned about what lives down there, like tube worms and eels. He gave us a virtual tour of the boat he lived on, while out at sea, and we learned about all of the things they can do on the boat besides working, like eating, sleeping, reading and playing ping pong! What an amazing learning experience! Thank you Andrew! ... See MoreSee Less
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We closed out Teacher Appreciation Week with a potluck lunch on Thursday and an ice cream bar on Friday! It was evident how many families came together to show us just how much they care. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for expressing your love for us all week. Our hearts and bellies are FULL! ... See MoreSee Less
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We have felt so cared for and appreciated this week! Our Family Partners Group organized brunch for us on Monday, snack mix bar on Tuesday and a fill your bag of goodies today! The University of Delaware College of Education & Human Development provided a delicious catered lunch for us today. We were able to sit and eat at a table with a tablecloth! We felt like royalty!! We are grateful to be so loved!! ❤️❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy day after May Day! Our maypole was more magical than ever with extended families participating in our annual ribbon dance! The tree held us all together as we celebrated the halfway point between the spring equinox and summer solstice. May you all bloom through this seasonal shift! 🌸🌷🌼🪻 ... See MoreSee Less
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UD Lab School staff were privileged to attend and celebrate some of our incredible undergraduate and graduate students today at the University of Delaware College of Education & Human Development celebration of excellence! We are so proud of all you have accomplished and can't wait to follow you on your journeys! ... See MoreSee Less
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