Skip To Main Content

News & Social

Early Childhood Classroom

Early Childhood | Grades N3–2

 Lab's Early Childhood division is rooted in a play-based curriculum that stands as a beacon of our innovative and developmentally rich pedagogy. 

We believe that the intellectual and emotional lives of young children develop best in a setting in which the teachers and the environment support play and exploration and the construction of relationships and ideas.  At its core, our play-based approach recognizes the intrinsic value of play as a vehicle for learning, nurturing, and exploration.

Early Childhood Classroom

Highlights in Early Childhood

crowd of students sit on floor as person on stage plays guitar

Community Sings


Community sings are a beloved tradition in the Laboratory Schools Early Childhood Division.  

These joyful gatherings bring together students, teachers, and families to sing, dance, and celebrate music. Through shared songs and movement, young children develop a love for music, enhance their language skills, and build a strong sense of community. These enriching experiences foster a lifelong appreciation for the power of music and the joy of shared expression.

The Early Childhood Experience

Whether acting out stories they’ve dictated, listening at story time, writing using invented spelling, or talking at “show and tell,” children are immersed in language and its many uses. Days are filled with mathematical thinking as children figure out how many days they’ve been in school or how to follow a recipe. Projects link language, science, and art media—paint, clay, music, movement—adding depth and breadth to a young mind’s understanding.

Horizontal Rule with Crest

Program of Studies

Walk into a Early Childhood classroom and you’ll notice how many different activities are going on at one time.

This is the “negotiated curriculum” in action. Behind it all is the teacher’s belief in the child’s capacity and motivation to figure out the world and the desire to represent their ideas. Children arrive at Lab’s doorstep eager to get involved. Teachers respond with programs that support this drive for understanding, autonomy, and competence.

Early Childhood Program of Studies

Cover of Early Childhood Program of Studies

Early Childhood Leadership

Heather Duncan

Heather Duncan

Principal, Early Childhood
Sarah Abella

Sarah Abella

Assistant Principal, Early Childhood
Arlene Lewis

Arlene Lewis

Dean of Students, Early Childhood
Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth Johnson

Interim Dean of Teaching and Learning, Early Childhood

 

 

Renowned Faculty

Teachers in Early Childhood prepare an environment filled with possibilities and encourage choice, initiative, exploration, and collaboration.

Teaching at Lab