Instructors

The Chicago State University Child Development Laboratory School works in collaboration with university instructors to support meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. Here, faculty can find guidance on course project requirements and helpful suggestions.

Project Criteria

Course project requests should be submitted by the instructor at least two weeks prior to the starting date. If the course projects include photographing or videotaping, Request to Photograph and/or Videotape forms must be completed and submitted to the Associate Director at least three weeks before the starting date.

Course project requests will be evaluated and approved based on the following criteria:

• Appropriateness for the population and facilities of the CSUCDLS program 
• Consistence with CSUCDLS program goals and philosophy 
• Impact on the daily classroom curriculum
• Provision for confidentiality 

Approved course projects will be supervised by the lab school Director and Associate Director with input from teaching staff.

Complete the CSUCDLS Course Request Form

Complete the Departmental Collaboration Agreement Form

Course Projects Matrix

Below are examples of projects that instructors may incorporate into their courses when working with the CSU Child Development Laboratory School.

Discipline	Example Projects
Nursing	• Health & Wellness Screenings (vision, hearing, growth)  • Family Health Workshops (nutrition, hygiene, preventive care) • Health Policy Projects (handwashing, safe snack practices)
Social Work	• Family Support Plans and resource referrals  • Community Engagement Workshops (stress management, parenting)  • Case Study Projects on family-school partnerships
Early Childhood Education	• Curriculum Design: Play-based thematic units  • Classroom Observations with reflective analysis  • Assessment Projects using developmental screening tools
Art	• Creative Expression Projects (painting, collage, clay)  • Art Integration Studies linking art with literacy/science  • Family Art Events
Music	• Music & Movement Activities (songs, rhythm, dance)  • Cultural Music Study of diverse traditions  • Music Therapy-inspired Projects for speech/behavioral support
Language	• Dual-Language Learning Activities (songs, games)  • Language Development Studies (observing acquisition milestones)  • Family Literacy Projects (bilingual story hours)
Occupational Therapy	• Fine Motor Skill Projects (cutting, threading beads)  • Sensory Play Stations (bins, textures)  • Adaptive Classroom Tools for children with physical challenges
Recreational Therapy	• Outdoor Play Studies for teamwork/problem-solving  • Movement & Relaxation Activities (yoga, stretching)  • Inclusive Recreation Plans for children with special needs
Psychology	• Child Development Studies (play, memory, friendship)  • Behavioral Support Projects using positive guidance  • Faculty-Supervised Research on language, pretend play, emotions