Each year there are almost 1000 UNH student visitations to the CSDC to observe, collect data for projects, or to take part in practical applications of classroom work. Students come from all over the university, including Family Studies, Education, Psychology, Nutrition Sciences, Dance and Theater, Occupational Therapy, Social Work and Communication Sciences and Disorders. Many students eventually work at CSDC in the classroom, offices and kitchen for work-study or as hourly substitutes.

Nearly all CSDC teachers hold a Bachelors degree in ECE, many have graduate degrees in the field, and all have extensive experience in the classroom and with mentoring emerging teachers. Close to 100 students in Family Studies (Young Child) are engaged in direct laboratory experiences at CSDC each year in the following classes:

FS 635 Teaching and Learning in Early Childhood Settings (fall or spring): This class explores the theory and practice of a social-constructivist approach to early education. Students spend one half-day session each week in the CSDC part-time nursery programs under the mentorship of a master teacher and in collaboration with a team of peers. The focus is on the development of meaningful in curriculum based upon observation and documentation of children’s ideas, questions, interests and cultural context.

FS 708/ 709: Advanced Early Childhood Internship and Seminar (fall, spring, summer): Building on to students’ experiences in FS 635, students intern for 5-11 hours (or more) each week (depending on credits) in the CSDC full-time or part time programs as part of a team of teachers. Students attend a weekly on-hour reflective seminar and are engaged in all aspects of the life of the center including staff meetings and parent events. Opportunities exist for selected students to work as Teaching Assistants in the Nursery Programs.

FS 785, 786: Student Teaching (seminar in Fall; practicum in Spring): Students admitted to the Nursery/Kindergarten State certification program (N/K) may request to complete their semester long student teaching experience in a CSDC program. Building on to prior internship experiences, student teachers work as an assistant teacher within a collaborative team. Student teachers are expected to participate in all aspects of the CSDC program and to take the lead in devising curriculum and leading the classroom during master teaching.

Students and faculty may also approach the Director about the possibility of FS 709 internships focused ion assessment, documentation, and other services to children and families at CSDC.

Graduate Opportunities: Graduate internships in administration, inquiry-based education, classroom practice, and documentation (including FS 807, 808 & 809) and graduate research projects are possible on a case-by case basis with the approval of the Director and support from appropriate faculty.