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

Value Statement

The Austin Community College District (“ACC” or “the College”) believes that an early childhood education program, including a children’s lab school, is critical to the academic excellence of the Child Care and 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 school shall be:

1. To provide childhood development and early education laboratory school to support the ACC Child Care and Development educational curriculum and program.
2. To provide a nationally accredited and high-quality child care program to a predetermined number of infants, toddlers, and preschool children on the following basis:
   1. The population of children enrolled in the Lab School shall include low-income and underserved populations in the Austin Community College District.
   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 authentic and quality observation and fieldwork experiences for appropriate College courses.
4. To provide a model early childhood program and resource for the Austin community.

The Children’s Lab School shall operate under all applicable regulations as set forth by Texas Health and Human Services, as well as all other applicable local and state statutes, and accreditation through the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

The Chancellor, or designee, shall report to the Board of Trustees at least annually on the current conditions, operations, and financing of the Children’s Lab School.