The University of the District of Columbia, Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS)

The purpose of the Early Childhood Lab School (ECLS) is to provide each 3-5 year old child with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to thrive and succeed in school and in life. Inspired by the preschools in Reggio-Emilia Italy, the ECLS focuses on the following Reggio-inspired program elements, the environment as the third teacher; children using multiple symbols to represent knowledge, documentation as a tool for assessment and advocacy; curriculum development through the project approach; and the teacher as a researcher. The ECLS also serves as a model early childhood site and practicum experience for students studying Early Childhood Education, human development, and other related fields.