Cleo L. Craig Foundation Child Development Laboratory
The Oklahoma State University Child Development Laboratory has a rich tradition of excellence in early childhood education. The CDL was established in 1924; the present $2 million facility opened in 1983 and the recent $1 million renovation has upgraded and created the Center for Early Childhood Teaching and Learning. Today, the CDL is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and meets the criteria set by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to be rated as a three-star facility. 
Licensing The CDL is licensed by the Department of Human Services. The CDL adheres to the rigorous standards set forth by the National Association for the Education of Young Children; therefore our program offers: - Planned learning activities which are appropriate for each child’s age and development;
- Frequent and positive interaction between children and adults;
- A healthy, safe, enjoyable environment for children;
- Nutritious meals and snacks;
- Regular communication with parents who are welcome visitors;
- Positive guidance techniques, both direct and indirect, which are used to manage the classroom and which promote high self-esteem and greater self-control;
- High adult-child ratio;
- Well-trained, experienced staff;
- Ongoing, systematic program evaluation
CDL Functions The CDL strives to further the Oklahoma State University mission of instruction, research, and service. In this respect, the Child Development Laboratory School program offers a site for: - Quality educational programming for young children;
- Training of student teachers in early childhood education;
- Observation and interpretation of human growth and development;
Research designed and implemented by OSU faculty and students to further the knowledge-base in such areas as early childhood curriculum; social interaction; language development; cognitive development; Community service in the form of quality child care, parenting programs, and in-service teacher education.
CDL Vision, Mission & Goals Vision The Child Development Laboratory at Oklahoma State University is a leader in developing innovative early childhood education programs that inspire a passion for what we do and those we serve, while preparing dedicated quality professionals for the 21st century. Mission Serving as a premier model for early childhood education programs, The Child Development Laboratory at Oklahoma State University provides educational opportunities where: Theories are put into practice in a developmentally appropriate environment; Faculty, staff, and students engage in ground-breaking research that contributes to the development of cutting edge teaching practices and learning environments Community leaders and professionals can replicate quality educational practices.
Goals - Staffing – To continue building a qualified, dedicated professional team.
- Employ and retain a qualified staff.
- Provide professional development opportunities to enhance professional competencies
- Provide competitive salary and benefits
- Curriculum – To continue to create and implement innovative, appropriate curriculum and model best practices.
- Provide innovative early childhood teacher preparation opportunities
- Work collaboratively with faculty to provide a quality connection between coursework and application
- Encourage and expand research opportunities for faculty, students, and staff.
- Operational – To develop operational processes and resources to meet our unit and constituent needs.
- Provide an optimal environment for quality professional education
- Provide an optimal environment for children and families
- Expand options for generating resources.
Child Development Laboratory
School Opportunities for Students OSU undergraduate students working on meeting requirements for Early Childhood Education certification are placed in the CDL to plan for and work directly with the children. OSU graduate students working on their master’s and doctorate degrees often utilize the CDL facility for thesis and dissertation research.
Staff Acting Administrative Director: Dianna Ross
Administrative Assistant: Ruby Carroll Ladd Co-Teacher (2-3 year olds): Laura Arnold, Margaret Napier
Co-Teacher(4-5 year olds): Angie Edwards, Brigitte Bolay
Food Services: Debra Clark
Oklahoma State University
Department of Human Development and Family Science
Cleo L. Craig Foundation Child Development Laboratory
110 HESW
Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078-6122
Telephone: (405) 744-5730
FAX: (405) 744-2800
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