Chapter 7: Keeping Relevant in Changing Times: The Evolution of a University Laboratory School

The Kent State University Child Development Center (CDC), an internationally known laboratory school, has evolved over time as it strives to stay relevant in a university setting that is constantly shifting and changing in response to social, economic, and political forces. More closely aligning the laboratory school with the Early Childhood Education program by becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) world school has strengthened the children’s program, moved the work of the CDC into the international realm, and aligned the CDC with the university’s strategic plan. Simultaneously, the CDC continues to make an impact at the local level upholding John Dewey’s original intentions for laboratory schools. Here we document and analyze the effects of the changes with the introduction of the IB PYP to both the Center and the Kent State Early Childhood Education program.