Children and a teacher at CSUN’s ‘Lab School.’

California State University, Northridge’s Child and Family Studies Center is accepting applications for fall 2013 enrollment in its kindergarten program.

The nationally accredited program provides children with an academically appropriate curriculum that is both challenging and fun, while at the same time serving as a university training site for future teachers and early childhood educators.

“We are unique in that we approach learning from a developmental perspective,” said Christa Dunlap, director of operations for CSUN’s Child and Family Studies Center Laboratory School. “We seek to find the child’s strengths, their current skills, what they need to learn and how they learn best.”

CSUN’s Child and Family Studies Laboratory School serves both preschool and kindergarten children. The school and center are part of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences and are dedicated to fostering a partnership with each child’s family. They serve as models for inclusive education in collaboration with the CHIME Institute.

The “Lab School,” as it is known, also serves as an instructional site where CSUN students learn teaching skills under the mentorship of master teachers and faculty as they interact with children and get to know their families.

“Our professional staff is highly educated, and participating university students are closely supervised,” said Dunlap. “Families can expect professionalism, dedication, knowledge and experience.”

The Child and Family Studies Laboratory School’s kindergarten program adheres to California’s education standards and offers a low 1-to-8 ratio of adults to children. Its academic hours are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., but the school offers extended care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to accommodate working families.

For more information or to request a tour, call the Child and Family Studies Center at (818) 677-3131.