Curriculum

All Head Teachers in the Child Development Laboratories use the same curriculum as the basis for instruction in the classroom. The curriculum was developed here at Michigan State University, over a period of years, by teachers and faculty in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies. It has achieved national recognition and is currently the model for several other early childhood programs across the state.

The curriculum is divided into six domains, which are:

  • Aesthetics
  • Affective
  • Cognition
  • Physical
  • Social
  • Language/Communication

Every week, teachers plan a variety of activities and experiences corresponding to all six domains. Although, we realize that no one facet of development can be isolated from the rest, we believe that purposeful planning for each domain results in a more comprehensive approach to instruction. Moreover, we can achieve consistency in application from classroom to classroom that contributes to the positive growth of children as they move through the program. Simultaneously, classroom individuality is maintained because each teacher brings his/her own special emphasis and understanding of development to its implementation. Thus, while we all share common goals, application of the curriculum is personalized and tailored to meet the needs of individual classes and children. Looked at individually, these six domains represent major facets of child development. Construction and pretend play are the processes by which these facets are integrated. Taken together, the entire array represents the "whole" child. More information is in the: Family Handbook and the East Lansing Calendar or the Haslett Calendar.

Head Teachers hold master's degrees in child development or early childhood education with a background encompassing extensive experience in child development, early childhood education, or related fields.  

Haslett Half-Day Preschool Program for Children Ages 36+ Months & 48+ Months

Half-day classes are in session during MSU's academic year (September-April) four days per week (Monday through Thursday) and offer both morning and afternoon sessions as space is available at our Haslett campus.  Morning classes are held from 8:40 to 11:40 AM and afternoon classes are held from 1 to 4 PM. 

East Lansing Full-Day Preschool Program for 18+ Months, 24+ Months, 36+ Months & 48+ Months

The MSU CDL is proud to offer full-day, year-round preschool at our East Lansing campus.  The program operates 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  The program is available to children ages 18 months to 5 years. 

Haslett Summer Half-Day Preschool Program

Programming for Summer will be offered at our Haslett campus. We enroll children who are turning 30 months or older by May 15th.  This program typically operates from mid-May through the end of June.  It is age specific and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.   Classes will be divided by age group with no class having larger than an 18 month age range. Summer offers half-day morning or afternoon classes that operate Monday through Thursday.