Northern Illinois University
Child Development and Family Center
School of Family and Consumer Sciences

At the Child Development and Family Center, we believe that play and learning go hand in hand. Through play, children gain knowledge and understanding of the world around them. Play prepares children for academic learning by refining their motor skills, expanding their intelligence and creativity, and helping them develop relationships with others. Read more about the importance of play.

Our teachers harness the power of play by implementing an emergent curriculum. This means that the curriculum is not rigid or calendar-driven, but rather that it emerges naturally from the children’s interests as they grow and change. Teachers guide the curriculum to help balance the children’s interests with what they know is necessary for children’s healthy growth and development. This child-centered approach allows teachers to craft a flexible program that adjusts to children’s evolving needs. Read more about emergent curriculum.