The Early Childhood Lab School at the University of Alaska Fairbanks is committed to providing rich observation and practicum experiences for university students studying early childhood education while providing high-quality, licensed care to children of enrolled university students, faculty and staff.

UAF Community & Technical College operates Bunnell House Early Childhood Lab School on the UAF campus. The lab school is licensed by the State of Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to serve 30 children, ages three years through six years.

Ages:  3 years—6 years
Hours:  Monday – Friday, 7:30 am—5:30 pm
Location: 1793 Chatanika Drive, UAF campus

University Students

Early Childhood Education
The primary purpose of the lab school is to provide rich observation and practicum experiences for university students studying early childhood education (ECE). Practicum involves 160 hours of on-site experience.  Advanced practicum requires completion of 200 hours, but not all are on-site.

Other University Disciplines
In addition to ECE students, students from other disciplines, including education, music, paramedicine, and fire science, utilize the lab school to enhance their learning and understanding through observations and interactive activities with the children.

Parents & Guardians

Children’s Program
The lab school’s child-centered environment is rich in learning opportunities.

• Developmentally appropriate equipment and practices permit children to make choices within a supportive and encouraging structure.
  
•  Self-selection of activities and materials allow children to learn independently at their own unique pace.
  
• Active exploration and cooperative learning foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills, communication and language skills, creativity, competence, healthy attitudes, and positive self-worth.

Bunnell House Staff
Bunnell House teachers are trained professionals in the early childhood field who complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education per year.

• Lead teachers are required to have a minimum of two years college or vocational technical course work with an associate’s degree in early childhood and one full year of formal experience working with infant, toddler or preschool children; or a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 18 credits in early childhood education and a minimum of six months formal experience working with young children.
• Assistant teachers are required to have a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent plus some vocational-technical coursework in early childhood education or a related field and/or minimum three months of formal experience working with preschool children.
• Low turnover of teaching staff results in secure attachments and continuity of care. Children spend more time engaged in positive interactions and developmentally appropriate activities.
• Fingerprinting and background checks are performed for all employees as required by state licensing.
• Current certifications in infant-child-adult first aid, CPR, and food handling are required of all employees.

Child Enrollment
In cooperation with the Early Childhood Education program at UAF CTC, the lab school provides university students with observation and practicum experiences. Parental permission for children to be a part of this university learning experience is a requisite for enrollment.

Bunnell House accepts children 3 years to 6 years (must be toilet trained). Preference for enrollment will be given to University affiliated students, staff and faculty.

Due to high demand and limited space, the lab school has a wait list. Interested families should fill out the Wait List Form.

Newsletter

View updates, important dates, news, photos, and more in the most current Bunnell House News (PDF).