The Child and Family Study Center (CFSC) focuses on the "whole child" representing all areas of development: intellectual, physical, social, and emotional. The program goals are to develop: self-concept and self-worth, language skills, social interaction skills, independence, curiosity, self-expression, appreciation, problem-solving, large and fine motor coordination, creative expression, along with awareness and respect for other's experiences and backgrounds as well as their own.
Educational Theory & Hands-On Practice
The Child and Family Study Center is a university education laboratory school committed to creating a link between educational theory and hands-on practice. Students from undergraduate and graduate courses across campus can observe, participate, develop research, and execute lessons under the guidance of experienced and highly qualified educators.
Laboratory access at the CFSC allows for cross-campus collaborations with other departments and programs, implementation of class projects, observation, service-learning and increased demand for meaningful and related student work experience which is in line with UW Stout’s polytechnic mission. The polytechnic approach to education is hands-on and career-focused, supporting state-of-the-art programming and curriculum to keep college students at the forefront of innovative and evidence-based early childhood services.
The center serves as a catalyst for excellence and innovation in early learning and the preparation of future educators. The center creates a common space for faculty, staff, community, and families to not only collaborate to train future teachers but also as a facility for professional development and academic research while modeling best practices in many fields of study.
Infant and Toddler Education Lab
The Infant and Toddler Education Lab at UW-Stout is a certified childcare center for the university staff, students, and the Menomonie community. Students in the School of Education's Early Childhood Education program provide childcare for children ages 0-3. Aaron Wisecup, a senior in ECE, assists in and teaches children for nine weeks during the semester.
"We really focus on teaching the children self-help skills and social and emotional skills, like learning to share toys, take turns, and asking friends if they are hurt," Wisecup said.
Working alongside other student staff and experienced faculty, and watching the children progress gives students the necessary experience to benefit in their future teaching careers.
