I have thoroughly enjoyed my work at the Preschool Lab since I began here in 1990. My previous experiences include teaching positions at the Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh, the Winchester-Thurston School in Pittsburgh, and preschool settings at the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. I find my work at Westminster College to be extremely satisfying because of the opportunity to work with preschool children and the college students.  I have found that my love for young children has grown, as has my appreciation for the fine college students that have either worked, volunteered or have been researchers at the Preschool Lab.

     Through experience and research I wholeheartedly believe that developmentally appropriate practice is the best model for early childhood education.   Children learn exceptionally well when in an environment that encourages play and exploration.  Therefore, a preschool setting should provide experiences that are interactive and engaging for the age levels of the children it serves.  Play is a powerful tool that benefits children’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical and language development.  The Preschool Lab program is arranged so that each child can explore, create, solve problems and develop socially.  A supportive atmosphere encourages each child to feel free to venture into new experiences within a comfortable environment.  We strive to plan a variety of experiences with fresh views of familiar scenes, excursions to new places, or walks on the college campus.  My colleague, Debi Roud and I enjoy creating a curriculum that may motivate and spark children’s imaginations.