{"id":703,"date":"2026-01-05T18:35:57","date_gmt":"2026-01-05T18:35:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/test-uwsp-multi.pantheonsite.io\/school-of-education\/?page_id=703"},"modified":"2026-05-26T18:05:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T18:05:09","slug":"gesell","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/gesell\/","title":{"rendered":"Gesell Institute for Early Childhood Learning"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-cards gold-square blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"site-width\"><section class=\"hcard-container\" aria-label=\"Horizontal Card\"><div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-card-container\" aria-live=\"off\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-block\" id=\"hcard17697142635115127\"><div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-individual split6633 hcard-imgleft\"><div class=\"hcard-infocell\"><h5 class=\"hcard-microtitle\">4K and Preschool<\/h5><h3 class=\"hcard-title\">Gesell Institute for Early Childhood Learning<\/h3><div class=\"hcard-content\">Welcome to Gesell Institute where believe in the power of play and natural learning experiences to help young children gain knowledge and understanding. In our program at UW-Stevens Point, we offer 3-year-old preschool in the morning and 4-year-old kindergarten in the afternoon through the Stevens Point Area Public School District.<\/div><div>\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/\" target=\"_self\">School of Education <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/4k.pointschools.net\/about-us\/gesell-institute-4k-and-preschool\" target=\"_blank\"> Stevens Point Area Public School District <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"hcard-mediacell\"><div class=\"hcard-images hcard-oneimg\"><div class=\"hcard-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-16.jpg)\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"hslider-buttoncontainer\"><button class=\"hsliderBack horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"previous slide\">\u276e<\/button><div class=\"single-card-nav\"><\/div><button class=\"hsliderForward horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"next slide\">\u276f<\/button><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"cardblock-frame blockspacetop blockspacebottom\" id=\"\" style=\"background-image:url();background-position:center center\"><div class=\"card-coloroverlay\" style=\"background-image:linear-gradient(to bottom, , )\"><div class=\"site-width\"><div class=\"card-container img16x9 cardshadow cardimages-overlay col-small-one col-medium-two col-large-two col-xlarge-four col-xxlarge-four\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-trad-card\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-23.jpg)\"><div class=\"card-image-holder\"><div class=\"card-image\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-23.jpg)\"><\/div><\/div><h5 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-microtitle\"><\/h5><h3 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-title\">3-Year-Old Preschool<\/h3><h4 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-subtitle\">2025-26<\/h4><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-text\">Monday and Tuesday: 8:40-11:40 a.m.; \nWednesday and Thursday: 8:40-11:40 a.m.<\/div><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-button-container\">\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"#preschool\" target=\"_self\">Learn More <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-trad-card\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-20.jpg)\"><div class=\"card-image-holder\"><div class=\"card-image\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-20.jpg)\"><\/div><\/div><h5 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-microtitle\"><\/h5><h3 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-title\">4K Program<\/h3><h4 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-subtitle\">2025-26<\/h4><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-text\">Monday-Thursday; \n12:30-3:40 p.m. <\/div><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-button-container\">\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"#4k\" target=\"_self\">Learn More <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-trad-card\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-27.jpg)\"><div class=\"card-image-holder\"><div class=\"card-image\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-27.jpg)\"><\/div><\/div><h5 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-microtitle\"><\/h5><h3 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-title\">Goals<\/h3><h4 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-subtitle\"><\/h4><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-text\">Based upon the theories and principles of Erikson and Piaget, six goals have been established. <\/div><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-button-container\">\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"#goals\" target=\"_self\">Learn More <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-trad-card\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-10.jpg)\"><div class=\"card-image-holder\"><div class=\"card-image\" role=\"img\" aria-label=\"\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-10.jpg)\"><\/div><\/div><h5 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-microtitle\"><\/h5><h3 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-title\">History and Philosophy<\/h3><h4 class=\"uwsp-trad-card-subtitle\"><\/h4><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-text\">The Gesell Institute bears the name of Arnold Gesell, noted pioneer in the study of child development.<\/div><div class=\"uwsp-trad-card-button-container\">\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"#history\" target=\"_self\">Learn More <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\">Meet Your Teachers<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-uwsp-directory-profile-list wp-block-uwsp-directory-profile-3 align-center\"\n     style=\"--profile-container-width-desktop: 100%; --profile-item-width: 33%;\">\n<div id=\"uwsp-directory-profile-427\"\n     data-profile=\"427\"\n     data-profile-name=\"Angela Jennings\"\n     class=\"uwsp-profile-card \"\n     >\n  <div class=\"card-header\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"175\" height=\"175\"\n           src=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2026\/04\/CPS-Education-Jennings-Angela.jpg\"\n           class=\"card-img\" alt=\"Profile Photo: Angela Jennings\">\n      <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-body\">\n    <h2>Angela Jennings<\/h2>\n\n        <ul class=\"card-titles\">\n              <li class=\"card-title\">4K\/ECSE Teacher &#8211; Gesell Institute 4K\/Preschool<\/li>\n                <\/ul>\n    \n    <div class=\"card-contact\">\n              <div>124 College of Professional Studies<\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"tel:715-346-2655\"\n                aria-label=\"Call Angela Jennings\">715-346-2655<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"mailto:ajenning@pointschools.net\"\n                aria-label=\"Email Angela Jennings\">ajenning@pointschools.net<\/a><\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-footer\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/profile\/angela-jennings\/\" role=\"button\"\n       title=\"View Angela Jennings\">View profile <i class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right ms-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"uwsp-directory-profile-1443\"\n     data-profile=\"1443\"\n     data-profile-name=\"Katie Anderson-Pence\"\n     class=\"uwsp-profile-card \"\n     >\n  <div class=\"card-header\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"175\" height=\"175\"\n           src=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2026\/04\/CPS-Education-Anderson-Pence-Katie.jpg\"\n           class=\"card-img\" alt=\"Profile Photo: Katie Anderson-Pence\">\n      <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-body\">\n    <h2>Katie Anderson-Pence<\/h2>\n\n        <ul class=\"card-titles\">\n              <li class=\"card-title\">Assistant Dean &#8211; College of Professional Studies<\/li>\n              <li class=\"card-title\">Head &#8211; School of Education<\/li>\n                <\/ul>\n    \n    <div class=\"card-contact\">\n              <div>110A College of Professional Studies<\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"tel:715-346-2284\"\n                aria-label=\"Call Katie Anderson-Pence\">715-346-2284<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"mailto:katie.anderson-pence@uwsp.edu\"\n                aria-label=\"Email Katie Anderson-Pence\">katie.anderson-pence@uwsp.edu<\/a><\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-footer\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/profile\/katie-anderson-pence\/\" role=\"button\"\n       title=\"View Katie Anderson-Pence\">View profile <i class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right ms-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"uwsp-directory-profile-433\"\n     data-profile=\"433\"\n     data-profile-name=\"Lexie Weiner\"\n     class=\"uwsp-profile-card \"\n     >\n  <div class=\"card-header\">\n          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"175\" height=\"175\"\n           src=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/78\/2026\/04\/CPS-Education-Weiner-Lexie.jpg\"\n           class=\"card-img\" alt=\"Profile Photo: Lexie Weiner\">\n      <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-body\">\n    <h2>Lexie Weiner<\/h2>\n\n        <ul class=\"card-titles\">\n              <li class=\"card-title\">PK\/ECSE Teacher &#8211; Gesell Institute 4K\/Preschool<\/li>\n                <\/ul>\n    \n    <div class=\"card-contact\">\n              <div>124 College of Professional Studies<\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"tel:715-346-2655\"\n                aria-label=\"Call Lexie Weiner\">715-346-2655<\/a><\/div>\n                    <div><a href=\"mailto:aweiner@pointschools.net\"\n                aria-label=\"Email Lexie Weiner\">aweiner@pointschools.net<\/a><\/div>\n          <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"card-footer\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/directory\/profile\/lexie-weiner\/\" role=\"button\"\n       title=\"View Lexie Weiner\">View profile <i class=\"far fa-arrow-alt-circle-right ms-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-cards white-solid blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"site-width\"><section class=\"hcard-container\" aria-label=\"Horizontal Card\"><div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-card-container\" aria-live=\"off\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-block\" id=\"hcard1769714741696197\"><div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-individual split5050 hcard-imgright\"><div class=\"hcard-infocell\"><h3 class=\"hcard-title\">Location<\/h3><h4 class=\"hcard-subtitle\">Located at UW-Stevens Point<\/h4><div class=\"hcard-content\">Room 124 College of Professional Studies Building\n1901 Fourth Avenue\nStevens Point, WI 54481\nClassroom Phone: 715-346-2655\nDistrict Phone: 715-345-5456<\/div><div>\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/about-uwsp\/maps-directions\/\" target=\"_self\">Maps &amp; Directions <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"hcard-mediacell\"><div class=\"hcard-images hcard-oneimg\"><div class=\"hcard-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-11.jpg)\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"hslider-buttoncontainer\"><button class=\"hsliderBack horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"previous slide\">\u276e<\/button><div class=\"single-card-nav\"><\/div><button class=\"hsliderForward horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"next slide\">\u276f<\/button><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-cards white-solid blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><a name=\"preschool\"><\/a><div class=\"site-width\"><section class=\"hcard-container\" aria-label=\"Horizontal Card\"><div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-card-container\" aria-live=\"off\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-block\" id=\"hcard1769714741696197\"><div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-individual split5050 hcard-imgleft\"><div class=\"hcard-infocell\"><h5 class=\"hcard-microtitle\">2025-26<\/h5><h3 class=\"hcard-title\">3-Year-old Preschool<\/h3><h4 class=\"hcard-subtitle\">Monday and Tuesday: 8:40-11:40 a.m.&lt;br> Wednesday and Thursday: 8:40-11:40 a.m.<\/h4><div class=\"hcard-content\">Registration for 3-year-old Preschool is through the Stevens Point Area Public School District. Complete forms and return to Bliss Educational Services Center. Enrollment is $600\/year.<\/div><div>\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-link-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/4k.pointschools.net\/about-us\/gesell-institute-4k-and-preschool\" target=\"_blank\">Registration <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n\n\n\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-link-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-preschoolforms.pdf\" target=\"_self\">Forms <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"hcard-mediacell\"><div class=\"hcard-images hcard-oneimg\"><div class=\"hcard-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-26.jpg)\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"hslider-buttoncontainer\"><button class=\"hsliderBack horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"previous slide\">\u276e<\/button><div class=\"single-card-nav\"><\/div><button class=\"hsliderForward horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"next slide\">\u276f<\/button><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-cards white-solid blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><a name=\"4k\"><\/a><div class=\"site-width\"><section class=\"hcard-container\" aria-label=\"Horizontal Card\"><div class=\"uwsp-horizontal-card-container\" aria-live=\"off\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-block\" id=\"hcard1769714741696197\"><div class=\"uwsp-horiz-card-individual split5050 hcard-imgleft\"><div class=\"hcard-infocell\"><h5 class=\"hcard-microtitle\">2025-26<\/h5><h3 class=\"hcard-title\">4K Program<\/h3><h4 class=\"hcard-subtitle\">Monday-Thursday: 12:30-3:40 p.m.<\/h4><div class=\"hcard-content\">Visit the 4K Point 4 the Future Enrollment homepage for additional information on the 4K program and to access online enrollment. (Pre-approval needed)<\/div><div>\n<a class=\"uwspbtn uwsp-btn-solid-purple\" href=\"https:\/\/4k.pointschools.net\/about-us\/gesell-institute-4k-and-preschool\" target=\"_blank\">Registration <i class=\"fa-solid fa-circle-chevron-right\"><\/i><\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"hcard-mediacell\"><div class=\"hcard-images hcard-oneimg\"><div class=\"hcard-image\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-17.jpg)\">\u00a0<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"hslider-buttoncontainer\"><button class=\"hsliderBack horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"previous slide\">\u276e<\/button><div class=\"single-card-nav\"><\/div><button class=\"hsliderForward horizontal-sliderbutton\" aria-label=\"next slide\">\u276f<\/button><\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-accordion blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"\"><div class=\"card-intro\" style=\"text-align:center\"><h2 class=\"h4\">4K Guiding Principles<\/h2><p>&#8220;To provide equal access to quality early childhood learning experiences for all children.&#8221;<\/p><\/div><div class=\"panelcontainer nofirst\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">We Believe &#8230;<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>For collaborative community based early childhood programs to be successful, we believe &#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Quality education occurs in safe facilitative environments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Young children learn best in play-based classrooms with developmentally appropriate practices and curriculum (e.g. The Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In teaching to the whole child (cognitive, physical, social, emotional)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Literacy is at the core of quality instructional programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>That teachers must respect the individuality of each child by appreciating their unique style and rate of learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early childhood classrooms should be inclusive with early identification and intervention for children with special needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Parent\/Community involvement is essential for successful programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early learning environments are best when supporting consistent care while minimizing transitions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Diversity within children and families builds a stronger learning community<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Early education is strengthened through offering comprehensive services such as family support and education, resource &amp; referral, on-going assessment, and transportation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-accordion blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><div class=\"accordion\" id=\"\"><div class=\"card-intro\" style=\"text-align:center\"><h2 class=\"h2\">Admission Policies<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"panelcontainer nofirst\">\n<details class=\"wp-block-create-block-uwsp-accordion-section\"><summary class=\"accordion-heading\">Admission Policies<\/summary><div class=\"accordion-content\">\n<p>The Stevens Point Area Public School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, arrest or conviction record, membership in the military reserve, religion, political beliefs or affiliations, citizenship, use or non-use of lawful products off school premises during non-working hours or any other factor prohibited by law. Discrimination on the basis of age, sex or other requirements constitutes a bona fide occupational qualification necessary to the proper and efficient operation and administration of the school district. The director of Student Services is the district\u2019s compliance officer. If you have concerns, please call 715-345-5454.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/details>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"callout-large blockspacetop blockspacebottom\" id=\"history\" style=\"background-image:url(https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-10.jpg);background-position:center center;height:600px\"><div class=\"callout-coloroverlay\" style=\"background-image:linear-gradient(0deg, rgba(81,38,152,.7), rgba(81,38,152,.7))\"><div class=\"whitetheme callout-content-container\"><div class=\"callout-micro-title\">History<\/div><div class=\"callout-title\">The Gesell Name<\/div><div class=\"callout-content\">The Gesell Institute bears the name of Arnold Gesell (1880-1961), noted pioneer in the study of child development. Gesell was a native of Alma, Wis., and graduated from the Stevens Point Normal School in 1899. He later earned doctorates in both psychology and medicine. Gesell founded The Yale Clinic of Child Development. The Gesell Institute has been in operation at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, since 1972.\n\nThe Gesell Institute exists as a vital component in the School of Education at UW-Stevens Point. Each year approximately 50 undergraduate and graduate students receive laboratory experiences working with young children and their parents within this facility. <\/div><div class=\"buttonarea\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Child standing between two adults in front of a UW\u2013Stevens Point backdrop at a recognition or celebration event.\" class=\"wp-image-379 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-13.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Program Philosophy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The program is developmentally based, utilizing several principles set forth by Arnold Gesell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>All children proceed through the same sequence of development, but all vary in rates of development.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>There is an inner timetable which determines the child\u2019s rate of development. Trying to teach activities ahead of that timetable will at best result in only minor, temporary growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A favorable environment helps to insure the realization of a child\u2019s potential.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Each child is unique in temperament and growth style. The culture should try to adjust to each child\u2019s uniqueness.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Other theories upon which the program draws include those of Erik Erikson, Lev Vygotsky, and Jean Piaget. These theories provide us with a set of developmental expectations which allow us to plan appropriate activities and develop behavioral guidelines for children<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-vtabs blockspacetop blockspacebottom\"><a name=\"goals\"><\/a><div class=\"vtab-intro\" style=\"text-align:center\"><h2 class=\"h3\">Program Goals<\/h2><\/div><div class=\"vtab-thetabs\"><div class=\"accentlinetop\" role=\"none\"><\/div><div class=\"vtab-nav\"><\/div><div class=\"vtab-content\">\n<div class=\"uwsp-vtab-thetab\"><div class=\"vtab-tabtitle\">Goals for Gesell Students<i class=\"fa-solid fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"vtab-tabcontent\">\n<div class=\"vtab-content-column bgpurple\"><h2>Goals for Gesell Students<\/h2><div>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To provide children with opportunities for social interaction with same age peers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To assure that children have a good start in the development of a positive self-concept.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To assist children in the formation of positive attitudes toward school and learning.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide the children with a wide variety of activities and experiences which will build the firm foundations for later academic learning.\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Conceptual development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Language development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Listening and following directions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Thinking and decision making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Independence and responsibility<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide children with opportunities to practice large and small motor skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To encourage development of creativity<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"uwsp-vtab-thetab\"><div class=\"vtab-tabtitle\">Goals for UWSP Students<i class=\"fa-solid fa-caret-right\"><\/i><\/div><div class=\"vtab-tabcontent\">\n<div class=\"vtab-content-column bgpurple\"><h2>Goals for UWSP Students<\/h2><div>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>To provide a facility in which education students and related majors may observe the development process in young children.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide opportunities for students in teacher preparation programs to observe a master teacher and then apply principles discussed in teaching method classes to real life situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide a quality program for children 3-5 years of age.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide university students, in various fields of study, direct experience working with children ages 3-5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To provide opportunities for students in teacher preparation programs to observe a master teacher and then apply principles discussed in teaching method classes to real life situations.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>To give UWSP students opportunities to interact with parents and to observe parent-child interactions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>University students in the Gesell classroom will implement developmentally appropriate activities and encourage positive socialization between Gesell students.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"accentlinebottom\" role=\"none\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"text-transform:uppercase\">Rose and Don Petersen Hands-on Learning Lab<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Students at the Gesell Institute now have a space where they can learn about the importance of food from growing their own garden to preparing meals in a kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Education is made fun when taught through foods. The Rose and Don Petersen Hands-On Learning Lab promotes positive growth through activities such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>writing and following recipes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>measuring ingredients<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>exploring the science of growing foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creating food-related artwork&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>experiencing new foods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>learning about healthy eating and the farm-to-school movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Rose &#8217;57 and Don Petersen were instrumental in the redesign of the Gesell Institute and creating the Rose and Don Petersen Hands-on Learning Lab.&nbsp;Learn more about <a href=\"http:\/\/blog.uwsp.edu\/cps\/2014\/03\/07\/leaving-a-legacy-rose-petersen-57-1936-2014\/\">Rose&#8217;s legacy<\/a> or find out how you can <a href=\"https:\/\/give.uwsp.edu\/\">make a gift<\/a> to support the Gesell program.<\/p>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"A young child playing with dough and toys sitting at a table.\" class=\"wp-image-459 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/22\/2025\/11\/CPS-Education-Gesell-21.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Meet Your Teachers<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-703","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/703","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=703"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/703\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1477,"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/703\/revisions\/1477"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.uwsp.edu\/school-of-education\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=703"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}