University of North Texas 
Center for Young Children
NEW: We're introducing extended hours for Fall 2024!
The Center for Young Children — formerly the UNT Child Development Laboratory — uses a play-based, emergent curriculum built on the interests, curiosities and experiences of children ages 3-5. As part of a commitment to nurture children's diverse cultural background and home languages, the center also offers a bilingual program for children from Spanish speaking families.
To learn more about our program, please complete our interest form.
About Us
The University of North Texas Center for Young Children is an early childhood program
within the College of Education. The CYC provides a research-based, high-quality preschool program and serves as a model to others in the DFW metroplex and the state.
In addition to offering care and education for young children, the CYC also serves as a research center and training site for students in various College of Education programs. This work is done under the supervision of College of Education faculty and certified teachers and specialists, and follows strict guidelines and procedures that protect children's rights, privacy and confidentiality.
In addition to offering care and education for young children, the CYC also serves as a research center and training site for students in various College of Education programs. This work is done under the supervision of College of Education faculty and certified teachers and specialists, and follows strict guidelines and procedures that protect children's rights, privacy and confidentiality.
Our Curriculum
Our play-based and emergent curriculum builds on children's experiences, passions and curiosities.
Our teachers learn about children through ongoing observations and conversations with children and families. Using this knowledge, teachers create open-ended provocations using various materials, interactions and experiences. As children engage in exploration and inquiry through play, children develop critical and creative thinking, oral language, literacy, mathematical, social-emotional and gross/fine motor skills. Throughout the year, teachers and children work together to document and share their learning, work and new questions that can expand ongoing projects.
Our curriculum is also guided by our commitments to culturally sustaining pedagogies.
Throughout the curriculum, we integrate and nurture children's multicultural and multilingual
backgrounds and family practices. This not only conveys to children that their identities
and heritages are important and valued, but also helps all children develop a richer
understanding of our diverse world and a deeper appreciation of multiple cultures
and languages. Our curriculum also aims to provide opportunities for children to develop:
- A comfort and appreciation for human diversity;
- The language and skills to communicate about differences; and
- Their abilities to inquire into issues of fairness and justice.
Fall 2024 Term
Aug. 19 – Dec. 13 (17 weeks)*
Full Day Hours: 8am – 5pm
Half Day Hours: 8am – 1pm
NEW Extended Option Hours: 7:30am – 5:30pm
NEW Fee Structure for Fall 2024
Annual Registration Fee: $210
- 17 weeks, Full Day ($1041.25/month, 4 payments) ($245/week)
- 17 weeks, Half Day ($680/month, 4 payments) ($160/week)
- 17 weeks, Early Drop-Off (Monthly Rate + $40/month)
- 17 weeks, Later Pick-Up (Monthly Rate + $40/month)
- 17 weeks, Early Drop-Off + Later Pick-Up (Monthly Rate + $80/month)
* Week of Aug. 12 – Aug. 19, hours will be 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. as CYC will open one week earlier for faculty to prep at the university.