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
We are making Cynthia Paris’ dream a reality! While we wish our former director was still here to play and enjoy this space, we know this project is a reflection of her in every way. We are especially excited about the landscaping that will remind us of her love for gardening and will make our space much more natural.🪴
We ask that you take time to look at this webpage, which is a tribute to Cynthia and a way to donate to this project. The photos and words are intentionally chosen by her family, friends, and colleagues. We so appreciate you taking the time to remember our beloved Cynthia.❤️
www.labschool.udel.edu/2025/06/30/inspire-learning-through-outdoor-play/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTE... ... See MoreSee Less
Inspire Learning Through Outdoor Play - Lab School
www.labschool.udel.edu
Design from Studio Ludo for the Lab School’s new playground in honor of Cynthia Paris. Honor Cynthia Paris’ Legacy with a Gift to Transform the Lab School Playground With loving support from famil...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Into the forest we go!
Nature provides endless opportunities for mindful exploration! ... See MoreSee Less
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This list and report from North Branch Nature Center from 10 years ago is still poignant today! We would love to start a list of fave local hot spots! Comment below!
“Do you want to have a fun and healthy summer vacation for you and your family? Here's our Top 5 Ways to RE-Connect to Nature and RE-Vitalize Your Green Mountain Summer!
#1 - Nature is contagious. If you want to instill a love of the outdoors in your children, you as a busy adult need to get outside as well. Be a model for your kids. Get dirty, wear mudboots and rainpants. Romp in a meadow, watch fireflies and catch a frog. Make going for walks in the forest a weekly family activity. Playing is contagious, especially outside.
#2 - Have a "Bag-of-tricks". Children love using tools. Hand lenses, a small hand trowel for digging, a flashlight for dark crevices, pencils and paper. All of these can make a morning walk turn into an all day exploration. Don't forget a beginner field guide as well. Keep your "bag-of tricks" at the back door. Don't leave home without it!
#3 - Open a Nature Museum.Your children will fill their pockets with things they have found outside. Rocks, feathers, leaves, shells, sticks, and yes, even handfuls of dirt. Make a space for your children's treasures inside your home. Let nature come inside and be a home grown museum which will be an ongoing learning opportunity.
#4 - Look for Natural Play Spaces. Children love to create their own play spaces outdoors. Look for the nooks and crannies in a hedgerow, under the drooping boughs of a fir tree, or next to a large boulder. Nature provides its own playground with a much bigger opportunity for making it your own. The kids will tell you where the best places are. Follow them!
#5- Find your Local Nature Hot Spots. Most communities in Vermont have a public park or recreation field. Find out where they are and then follow suggestion #4! Town forests are open to the public for exploring and taking care of. Become a steward of a green space in your town.” ... See MoreSee Less
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The UD Lab School is excited to support UD's Move 2 Learn Innovation Lab 💙💛 Please consider participating in their important study and share the information with others who may be interested ... See MoreSee Less
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SO many nature friends these summer days!
Are you noticing any critters in your neck of the woods?? ... See MoreSee Less
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“Please won’t you take me home…”
Thanks to the 224 people who came back “home” to the Lab School to celebrate our 90th anniversary!! ... See MoreSee Less
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