LUME Institute evolved from the values, philosophy, and methodologies embodied by our lab school University City Children's Center (UCCC), a non-profit, early childhood education center in St. Louis that for over 40 years has served as a transformative model of quality early care and education. Like UCCC, LUME’S Approach is to nurture the development of children through creativity, psychodynamics, literacy, empathy, compassion and inclusiveness as based on LUME’s proven and award winning model. LUME offers systemic and comprehensive approaches to early childhood education that engage, impact, and transform communities. We are dedicated to promoting innovative thinking, exploration, and knowledge sharing, while developing methodologies that deepen understanding of how children learn and grow. LUME's VISION All children are prepared for life. LUME's BELIEF We believe the power to change society lies in changing the way young children are taught. LUME's MISSION We transform the way families, educators, and communities inspire young children to learn, grow, and thrive. Our Approach to nurturing children through creativity, psychodynamics, literacy, empathy, compassion and inclusiveness is based on innovation, insight, and sound theory. Modeling our methodologies introduces teachers, administrators, families, and other stakeholders to an integrative program that is transforming early childhood education. We are dedicated to promoting innovative thinking, exploration, and knowledge sharing. LUME is a catalyst for individuals who think, research, develop, enhance, and replicate early childhood concepts in their respective centers and broader communities.