Texas Tech Child Development Research Center

The Christine DeVitt & Helen DeVitt Jones Child Development Research Center believes that children develop to their highest potential in a nurturing atmosphere which fosters mutual respect and an appreciation for the uniqueness and capabilities of the individual.

Thus one of our primary goals is to provide an individualized developmental program for each child we serve including mildly and moderately handicapped children and children from culturally and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Using the High/Scope curriculum a widely recognized successful approach to early education children are encouraged to be active learners to have daily opportunities to decide what they want to do. The fundamental premise is that children learn best from experiences which they plan and carry out themselves. Thus the role of the teacher is to build upon each childs existing strengths and accomplishments using their activities as the springboard for further development. Through individual small group and large group experiences teachers initiate activities designed to meet the needs of every child involved with an emphasis on facilitating the development of the total child—physical social emotional and cognitive.

Learning through play through exploring the environment and through interacting with others are essential components. Children progress at their own pace as they are supported and encouraged to participate in both child-selected and adult-initiated activities. In order to further the children’s knowledge these experiences are usually incorporated into bi-weekly thematic units appropriate to the needs and interests of the children.