Students

The Chicago State University Child Development Laboratory School is committed to supporting the next generation of educators and child development specialists by offering observation and fieldwork experience. Here, you’ll find the information needed to complete classroom assignments and academic requirements.

Observation Guidelines

These guidelines are designed to help you have a productive observation experience while ensuring the safety and comfort of our children and staff. Please download and sign the acknowledgment form before your observation. A single signed acknowledgment is valid for the entire academic year (fall, spring, and summer semesters).

PDF Icon Download the Guidelines for Observations & Classroom Experiences

Protecting Privacy: Do not take photos of the children or the classroom environment. If your assignment absolutely requires photographs, please coordinate and receive approval from the classroom teacher before your arrival.

Keeping the Environment Safe & Clear: Please help us maintain a safe and distraction-free learning space. Personal items such as food, drinks, gum, backpacks, and purses must be stored in the designated observation room or secured as directed by our staff.

Be Ready to Observe: We have limited space, so we ask that you be familiar with your assignment before entering the classroom. Avoid spreading out notebooks, textbooks, etc., in the learning area.

Activity Preparation: If your assignment includes an activity with the children, please ensure you come prepared with all the necessary materials. The school cannot provide supplies for student assignments.

Faculty Observations: If your professor plans to observe you in the classroom, please contact the director in advance to coordinate arrangements and receive necessary approval.

Assignment Help: We understand assignments can be complex! If you have specific questions about your assignment, please direct them to your professor. Our staff’s primary focus is the care of the children, and they may not be available to assist with assignment details.

Seating: Please use only the chairs provided for observers. Select a seat that allows you to see and hear the children without being too close or standing directly over them. This ensures the children feel comfortable, and their play remains natural and uninhibited. At the end of the observation, please return your chair to the observation room.

Minimize Distractions: To respect the children's learning and minimize distractions, please avoid gathering or chatting with other observers during your observation time.

Don’t Intervene: Your role is primarily observation. Please do not intervene in the children's play unless a child is in immediate danger. If you witness behavior that is harmful, dangerous, or inappropriate, notify a staff member immediately.

Maintain Supervision: To adhere to all safety policies, observers must never be alone with children and are not allowed in any classroom alone.

Please remember that while you are here temporarily for your assignment, we are here every day. Your consideration for the children, staff, and environment is valued. We appreciate your professionalism and respect for our community. 

If you have questions about our program, we encourage you to speak with the director or a teacher at a convenient time.

Schedule Your Observation Hours

We’re excited to welcome you to the CSU Child Development Laboratory School. Follow the steps below to secure your spot:

  1. Visit SignUp to find an available date>
  2. Enter your email address – no need to register for an account
  3. Choose your spot! SignUp will send you automated confirmation and reminders.

NOTE: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you’d prefer to schedule observation hours directly through the lab school, contact us at childcare@csu.edu.