By Rob Vanya
San Jacinto College’s Lab Schools at the North and Central campuses are full-service early childhood programs that support learning for young children while also modeling model best practices for early childhood development students. The Lab Schools are affiliated with associate degree and certificate programs at the College, licensed through the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
San Jacinto College operates full-service children’s centers that support learning for young children while also modeling model best practices for early childhood development students.
Photo credit: Rob Vanya.
The Lab Schools function as a training ground for San Jacinto College child development students that provides a real life view of children and how they learn. Students can apply the theories learned in class through observations and hands-on experiences. Additionally, the Lab Schools offer child care services for San Jacinto College students, employees and community members who want a quality child development program for their children.
“San Jacinto College child development students have opportunities to study and observe in an environment with ongoing teaching that reflects best practices based on current research in early childhood education,” commented Caresal Bolds, North Campus child development program director. “At the children’s center, students put into practice many of the concepts and strategies they learn and discuss in early childhood classes. By observing and working with experienced early childhood professionals, students are better prepared for careers in early childhood and have the ability to positively impact the lives of children and families.”
As living proof, San Jacinto College graduate Tamara Hicks puts training she received at the children’s center to good use every day as a child care professional. Hicks earned an early childhood development associate degree from San Jacinto College in 2011 and now works at the North Campus Children’s Center as a lead infant II teacher (10 to 20 months old). She is also pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Ashford University.
“We take pride in our work and have the best interest of every child at heart,” Hicks said. “We use our skills and training to provide and model quality child care on a daily basis. We ensure that our children are in a safe, loving, nurturing and engaging environment. We not only work in child care, child care is our work and our passion.”
To learn more, please visit
sanjac.edu/career/child-developmentearly-childhood-studies.