Study for the Child Development Associate (CDA) Exam with detailed questions, flashcards, and explanations to help you succeed!

Laboratory schools are educational facilities that are associated with colleges or universities and are used primarily for training future educators. They serve multiple purposes, including providing a hands-on learning environment for students pursuing degrees in education and acting as a research site for educational theories and practices.

Because they are directly linked to higher education institutions, laboratory schools provide unique opportunities for teacher candidates to observe and engage with diverse teaching methods and classroom management strategies in real-world settings. This closeness to a college environment facilitates collaboration between faculty and students, enhancing the learning experience.

In contrast, while public school districts, community centers, and private educational institutions may support educational initiatives or programs, they do not typically function as laboratory schools in the context of teacher education and professional training. Their primary roles differ significantly from those of laboratory schools, which focus on experimentation, research, and practical teacher training in a university setting.