Child Development Department/Children’s Lab School Role and Scope

Value Statement

Austin Community College believes that an early childhood program, including a children’s lab school, is critical to the academic excellence of the Child Development instructional program.

Administrative Rule

In addition to the general purpose of the College set forth in Board Policy AD, Educational Role, Mission, Purpose, and Responsibility, the specific purposes of this lab shall be:

1. To provide an early childhood development laboratory to support the ACC child development educational curriculum and program.
2. To provide child care and development services to a predetermined number of pre-school children on the following basis:
   1. The population of children shall reflect the cultural and socioeconomic diversity of the Austin community.
   2. Tuition shall be charged on a sliding scale based on family income.
   3. Enrollment shall be open to the community, with priority given to ACC students, faculty, and staff.
3. To provide observation experiences for other appropriate College courses.
4. To provide a model early childhood program for the Austin community.

The Children’s Lab School shall operate under all applicable regulations as set forth by the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services, as well as all other applicable local, state, and federal statutes.

The College President, or designee, shall report to the Board of Trustees at least annually on the current conditions, operations, and financing of the Center.