Child Development Lab

We are not accepting enrollment applications from the community at this time. Please check here for updates on enrollment availability. 

As a lab school, the CDL also provides opportunities for early childhood students needing first-hand experience working with young children.

Values

• Children are valued for their uniqueness and dignity, their wonder and curiosity, their perspectives and abilities.
• Families are valued for their diversity, bonds and tradition, their abilities, their commitment to work, home, education and the community and their dreams for their children.
• College Students are valued for their unique ability to grow professionally so they can best support the development and learning of children and families.
• Faculty and Staff are valued for their vision, their ability to play and delight in children, their ability to process, reflect and apply exemplary practices, their commitment to families and their ability to mentor the next generation of professionals.
• The Environment fosters meaningful relationships, collaboration and participation, and inclusiveness. 

Tuition Rates

View the upcoming 2026-2027 tuition rates here: 2026-2027 Tuition Rates (PDF)

Apply

Download to complete the enrollment application: Application (PDF)

Family Handbook

Review the Family Handbook here: Family Handbook (PDF)

Licensing Standards

Review the DCFS Summary of Licensing Standards here: DCFS Summary of Licensing Standards (PDF)

Child Development Lab Calendar

View the current 2026/2027 CDL calendar here: 2026-2027 HCC CDL Calendar (PDF)

Information About Our Observations Application Process

Step 1: Faculty or students wishing to utilize the Heartland Community College Child Development Lab as a site for their observation students for their course must read, sign, and submit the following three forms to childlab@heartland.edu.

1. Heartland Community College Child Development Lab Observation Application (PDF) or Site Visit Observation Application (PDF).
2. Heartland Community College Child Development Lab Observation, Participation, and Research Policies and Procedures form (PDF).
3. Heartland Community College Confidentiality Statement and Guidelines form (PDF).

Step 2: Once you submit the required paperwork, your application will be reviewed, and either approved or denied. Application review and scheduling takes one to two weeks.

Please note that our available hours of observation are Mondays through Fridays from 7:30 am to 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm - 5:00pm.

Please email childlab@heartland.edu or call our Program Assistant at 309-268-8210 with questions.