City Colleges of Chicago Lab Schools are open for enrollment

City Colleges of Chicago offers high-quality Child Development Laboratory Schools at five campuses, open to the public.

CHICAGO—(July 13, 2026) – As education systems across the country seek more effective, research-driven approaches to early childhood development, Laboratory (Lab) schools have emerged as a cornerstone for shaping young learners. City Colleges of Chicago offers Child Development Laboratory Schools at five of its campuses, providing children age 2-5 with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences grounded in best practices and the latest research. Enrollment is now open to the public. The program includes Head Start and Preschool for All. Waitlists are available.

“Enrolling my child in a LAB school was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my child’s education, “said Whitney Regis, parent of a LAB student.  “The nurturing environment and thoughtful curriculum have helped my child grow socially, emotionally, and academically.”

“Our lab schools create an unparalleled learning ecosystem for young minds,” said Hollie Ware- Jaye, senior Advisor to City Colleges of Chicago Provost and dean of Education and Teacher programs at Harry S Truman College. “Children thrive in our settings because it is designed to align with how young children learn – through exploration, play, collaboration, and meaningful relationships.”

LAB schools are located within these City Colleges of Chicago campuses: 

• Richard J. Daley College, Child Development Lab School, 7500 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago IL 60652
• Kennedy-King College, Child Development Lab School, 710 W. 65th St., Bldg. Z, Chicago IL 60620
• Malcolm X College, Child Development Lab School, 1900 W. Jackson, Chicago IL 60612
• Olive-Harvey College, Child Development Lab School, 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago IL 60628
• Truman College, Child Development Lab School, 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago IL 60640

Registration is open, and spaces are limited. More info is available by emailing CDLS@ccc.edu or visit www.ccc.edu and search Laboratory Schools.

Why Lab Schools are unique and high quality:

• Child-Centered Learning: Lab schools emphasize active, inquiry-based learning tailored to each child’s developmental stage-fostering creativity, independence, and emotional intelligence.
• Highly Trained Educators: Teachers are well-prepared and continuously supported through collaboration with researchers and field experts.
• Research-Backed Practices: As real-time research environments, Lab schools are constantly evolving to reflect the most effective teaching strategies.
• Holistic Development: Programs support language, literacy to social-emotional growth, and executive function-laying a strong foundation for lifelong success.