Triton College Child Development Center

The Triton College Child Development Center Lab School is a nationally accredited early learning program serving children ages 15 months through 5 years. We provide a nurturing, inclusive environment where children explore, play, and grow, laying the foundation for lifelong learning and success.

As a lab school, we are uniquely positioned within Triton College to serve both children and families as well as the next generation of early childhood educators. College students studying education have the opportunity to observe, design, and implement lessons under the guidance of our experienced, credentialed teachers. This hands-on approach ensures that our classrooms remain vibrant, research-informed, and reflective of best practices in early childhood education.

We are proud to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), hold the ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality, and partner with Action for Children to make high-quality care accessible for all families

Accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
ExceleRate Illinois - Gold Circle of Quality.

Mission Statement:
At the Triton College Child Development Center, our mission goes beyond early learning, we are a community where every child and family are seen, valued, and celebrated.

Each child is known, supported, and encouraged to learn and develop a lifelong love of learning, foster friendships, and grow a strong sense of self. Grounded in trust, connection, and collaboration with families, we work together to create an environment where every child feels safe, appreciated, and truly at home.

Vision & Philosophy:
Here at the Triton College Child Development Center, we believe the best kind of learning is joyful, meaningful, and rooted in real experience. We recognize childhood is a critical time of wonder, growth, and limitless potential. That is why we say yes to muddy hands, curious questions, big feelings, and bold ideas, and no to worksheets, pressure, or one-size-fits-all learning.

Through daily experiences in art, science, music, language, nature, dramatic play, and sensory discovery, children build, create, explore, move, and imagine. These experiences foster critical thinking, collaboration, and self-expression. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed by our skilled educators who understand early childhood development and is facilitated by a team of highly qualified, experienced teachers deeply invested in each child’s growth.

Here at the Triton College Child Development Center, we do not simply supervise students, we nurture, model, listen, and teach with heart. By embracing the whole child, emotionally, socially, physically, and intellectually – our teachers and staff recognize that every child arrives with a unique story, pace, and voice. We honor and uplift the culture, values, and hopes of families as we work together to build confidence in every child.

By forming strong partnerships with families, we create a community where children thrive. Together, we lay the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, empathy, and a deep sense of belonging.

Our Commitment to Quality and Family Partnership
Our center is committed to ensuring that every child reaches key developmental milestones while also building the social and academic skills necessary for a smooth transition into kindergarten. We partner with families in this journey, working alongside us to celebrate progress, nurture curiosity, and support growth every step of the way.

Each of our classrooms provide a balance of structure and flexibility, blending play-based exploration with intentional teaching. Children engage in activities that inspire wonder and independence while developing the cognitive, language, motor, and social-emotional skills needed to prepare them for lifelong learning.

Building Bright Futures, Together
Here at Triton College Development Center Lab School, we believe that early education is not just preparation for school, it is the foundation for a life of curiosity, compassion, and confidence. Most importantly, we are a place where children are empowered to explore, families are embraced as partners, and learning happens with joy, purpose, and heart.

Why Families Choose Us

Ages Served: 15 months through 5 years
NAEYC Accredited – meeting the highest national standards of quality
ExceleRate Illinois Gold Circle of Quality – recognized for excellence in early learning
Action for Children Partner – supporting accessibility and affordability
Highly Qualified Teachers – credentialed, and highly trained professionals who care deeply about every child
College Lab School Setting – where research, practice, and innovation meet
Play-Based Curriculum – joyful, hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity
Healthy Meals and Snacks – Our meal program provides well-rounded nutrition each day, including balanced servings of protein, fresh vegetables, fresh fruit, and grains. Children receive both a morning and afternoon snack, along with a hot lunch for those in our morning and full-day sessions.
Inclusive Community – celebrating diversity, equity, and belonging

To Top

Child Development Center Programs

For additional information or to schedule a tour, please call (708) 456-0300, Ext. 3209 or 3222.

Enrollment Application for Child Development Center

After completing the application, please email it as an attachment to childdevelopmentcenter@triton.edu.

Wait List Application for Child Development Center

If you are interested in being placed on our wait list, complete the Wait List application and email it as an attachment to childdevelopmentcenter@triton.edu.

To Top