History

Aerial view of the Early Childhood Development Center

In the fall of 1974, the first Children’s Center on the Crookston campus was opened; it was used for student majoring in Health and Family Services. The center was located in the lower level of Robertson Hall, a resident hall that is no longer on the Crookston campus.

On May 5, 1999, construction of the new Early Childhood Development Center began. The building was designed to be used as a laboratory for students majoring in Early Childhood Education as a home to high quality early childhood care and education. The building was dedicated on November 1, 2000.

Purpose

Early Childhood students with faculty observing children

The primary purposes of the Early Childhood Development Center (ECDC) is:

  1. To provide the students majoring in Teacher Education at the University of Minnesota, Crookston, an opportunity to observe and participate in a teacher-training laboratory.
  2. To provide the University (students, staff, faculty) and Crookston community with an early childhood education/child care service that ensures a high quality program for young children and their families.

Philosophy

ECDC teacher reading

We believe that children need affectionate, secure, trusting relationships, new experiences, recognition, and respect as unique, whole persons. The Director and professional teaching staff members will strive to affirm the growth of the whole child by meeting his/her physical, intellectual, social and emotional needs in a positive, enthusiastic and stimulating environment.