Why Does the ACC District homepage look like this?
The ACC District Homepage has been redesigned using a Cascading Style Sheet (CSS) based layout. The style sheet did not load because either you are using a non-standards compliant browser or you are accessing this page with a device that does not support css. Please consider upgrading your browser or disregard this message if you are using some form of assistive technology or mobile device.
Welcome to Austin Community College

General Information

Licensing and Accreditation

The ACC Children’s Lab School is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (TDFPS). The program is also accredited by the National Academy of Early Childhood Programs (NAECP), a division of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Philosophy

 A. Vision

To support children and families; students, faculty and staff; and the community in developing and learning to their full potential

 B. Mission/Purpose

The Children’s Lab School serves as a demonstration school for the Austin Community College District’s Child Development Department and a model program for the Greater Austin community. The Children’s Lab School offers affordable, high quality services to ACC students, staff and faculty, and the greater Austin community by providing the following:

  • Full day accredited child care and education program for infants, toddlers and preschool children.
  • Evening care program for toddlers, preschool and school-age children while their parents attend evening ACC classes.

Program

We strive to:

  • Plan an emergent, play-based curriculum that offers rich experiences and interactions, supports all areas of development, assesses children over time, considers individual and group needs, considers the child’s social and cultural context, and prepares children for later school success
  • Offer a comforting and supportive environment for busy evening care families
  • Create a learning community that will benefit our children, families, students and staff in learning to value diversity
  • Partner with parents and other family members to find the support and resources they need to be informed advocates for their children

Staff

We strive to:

  • Hire staff, based on strong educational and experiential background
  • Serve as models, trainers, and mentors to lab students, families, staff and the community
  • Gain education and experience through continuing professional development

Families

We strive to:

  • Build partnerships with families to foster optimal development of children and create a sense of community
  • Provide parenting support by offering educational opportunities and resources
  • Share information about child development while respecting each family’s unique culture
  • Create opportunities for families to learn about the value of play and its role in development and learning

The Community

We strive to:

  • Serve as a resource to the community
  • Model the importance of advocacy
  • Help to promote the field of child development and early childhood care and education as a profession to the community

Lab Students

We strive to:

  • Provide opportunities for observation and hands-on experience
  • Create opportunities for self-reflection and feedback from experienced, supportive mentors
  • Value and validate student’s growth as a professional

Faculty

We strive to:

  • Work in partnership to give concrete expression to abstract ideas and apply theory to practice
  • Collaborate for student success