About Us

UCHS Intern Teachers

We believe in the power of play

The main goal of our program is to establish a safe and fun learning environment. Our program emphasizes a child-centered, play-based approach. Play is not just the child’s right, it has also been recognized as vital for learning and development. Through play, children develop skills in all areas of development. Play promotes creativity, language, problem-solving skills, emotional regulation and so much more! Our daily schedule and class environment has been intentionally designed to encourage children to play, create and explore all throughout the day.

We are part of University City High School

UC High’s Child Development Center (UC CDC) is a campus laboratory preschool which operates under the school’s Child Development Program. The program was established over 30 years ago with the goal of training future educators while providing high quality child care to families in the UC community. Our laboratory preschool gives UC students the opportunity to conduct observations and practice planning curriculum to prepare for future careers in early childhood education.

High school students interact and participate in our program

UC Child Development students work under the direct supervision of qualified teachers. These students are committed to a two-year program. Prior to internship placement, students complete one year of lifespan development and training in early childhood care & education. Students learn about many topics related to early childhood education including: development, curriculum, health and safety. All students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge in a classroom setting. With the guidance of our teachers, child development students practice organizing lesson plans, class events and meals for our preschoolers.

Our teachers are experienced and passionate

The laboratory preschool is overseen by the high school child development teacher and preschool teacher. High school child development teacher, Nina Bain has worked at UC for over ten years and has over 14 years of experience in early childhood education (ECE). She is passionate about teaching others about ECE and enjoys reading about new research related to the field. In her spare time, Nina enjoys cooking, making soap and spending time with family.