N.C. Central University students walking to class past the Dent Annex may be surprised by the sights and sounds of children playing.

Lots of children.

This really isn’t a surprise, though, because since 1940, the Annex has been the home of the NCCU Child Development Laboratory.

The facility is a part of the Department of Human Sciences and is run by Bridget Kemp, who has been the lab’s director since August 2006.

Kemp replaced the previous director, Beverly Evans, who retired after some 20 years in the position.

The Child Development Lab is a nationally accredited facility.

The philosophy of the center, according to its Web site, “is based upon the child development principles of growth, developed through research,” as well as “nurturing each child as a unique individual with emphasis upon the total development of the child.”

This is no ordinary daycare. The lab offers a program that balances childcare and education with training for students majoring in childhood education.

While most daycares provide only childcare services, the child development lab offers a learning environment and hands-on experience for childhood education majors.

“As far as students having an opportunity to do observation or any micro teaching or whatever activities that their professor has given them to do in their classes, we provide a great service for them,” said Kemp.

Kemp also said that the center can be especially helpful to students who live at NCCU and don’t have transportation, because it is conveniently located on campus.

Prerequisites for teachers at the lab include Childcare Credentials I & II or an equivalent course, and one year of work experience.

Kemp said four of the laboratory teachers are studying childhood education.

One teacher is an alumnus with a Birth through Kindergarten certification, two are graduating from child development studies and one is studying early elementary education.

The Child Development Lab provides a learning experience not only for NCCU students, but also for the 3- and 4-year-old children who attend it daily as their daycare.

Visitors to the Child Development Lab will see classrooms decorated in vibrant colors and the children’s artwork proudly displayed almost everywhere.

Classrooms contain art areas and housekeeping areas, which include a miniature kitchen with a play stove and refrigerator.

One classroom opens up to the playground, and the “outside rules” of play are clearly posted on the door.

Teachers prepare lesson plans for the classrooms that include daily activities in math and science, but also in sand and water play.

Activities focus on developing the children’s cognitive and social skills.

The center also provides the children with two snacks and a lunch daily.

Although the activities are structured, Kemp said the teachers allow for a lot of flexibility as well.

“They [teachers] need to be able to be flexible for the children, as far as their moods and their temperament,” she said.

The Child Development Lab can accommodate 33 children, and it is currently filled to capacity. Approximately 55 children are on the waiting list.

The lab accepts children ages three and four years old. Children of NCCU students, faculty, and members of the surrounding community can all take advantage of the laboratory’s resources.

It is funded mainly by the tuition paid for the childcare services themselves, about $560 per month, per child.

Sometimes the facility receives grants from community agencies such as Smart Start.

Although the development lab is currently filled to capacity, it is still accepting applications for enrollment.

Available spots are filled as applications are received, giving every applicant equal opportunity regardless of whether he or she is a student, faculty member or community member.

“We are on a first-come-first-served basis,” said Kemp.

“We do follow our waiting list closely.”

The child development lab is open weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Interested applicants can receive an application by visiting the center at the Dent Annex.