The Child Development Center is a laboratory school located on the Seton Hill University campus and coordinated under the direction of the Education Program of the University. The school is devoted to enhancing the total development of the child. The curriculum for the center is designed to meet individual developmental needs in critical areas of growth – cognitive, social, emotional, and physical. Because children are the first priority of the Child Development Center, great efforts go into making sure that these early school experiences are enjoyable, challenging, and enriching.

Children are encouraged to develop skills, form ideas, think for themselves, and make choices while interacting and working in small groups, large groups, or independently. They learn through manipulation, imitation, experimentation, and practice while developing self-confidence and self-esteem; and are encouraged to explore, express feelings, engage in constructive play, and create many unique projects. The children are also taught to cooperate, share, play, and work with others. In conjunction with Seton Hill University’s mission, the children at the Child Development Center are educated “to think and act critically, creatively, and ethically as productive members of society committed to transforming the world.”