The University of Tennessee Early Learning Center for Research and Practice (ELC) is a quality care and learning environment for young children, pre-service teachers, and teacher educators. Affiliated with the Department of Child & Family Studies, the center provides a laboratory setting for the investigation of children’s development in context and the growth of informed teaching practices. Highly trained program staff work in collaboration with faculty to facilitate interdisciplinary research, academic programs for undergraduate and graduate students, and early education programs for young children while honoring a commitment to outreach, advocacy and the development of public policy. The mission of the ELC is to generate knowledge and practices that improve the field of early education. We are committed to engaging in meaningful, interdisciplinary research that makes a difference in the lives of children and families, preparing high quality early childhood teachers, and providing exemplary early education programs. Current research includes: teacher inquiry, documentation of teaching and learning, school readiness, the effect of quality care on children’s development, family-centered practices, and linking authentic assessment to child outcomes.

Supported by parent fee revenues and University funds, the ELC provides Three-Star Rated learning environments for young children six weeks through first grade as well as the academic support of more than one hundred students enrolled annually in Child & Family Studies’ coursework. Students and faculty from additional disciplines, including audiology and speech pathology, nursing, psychology, and special education, are also served by the ELC and may contact us for information and planning.

The ELC serves as a bridge between the University and the broader community through its involvement in outreach, advocacy, and public policy. As new knowledge is generated about young children and families, it is shared with local, national and international constituencies of parents and professionals. The ELC also promotes university-community partnerships that facilitate the dissemination and utilization of resources in response to the needs of families and children, particularly those at risk. Because the ELC faculty, staff, and students generate and have access to science-based knowledge, they are in a unique position to advocate for children and families and influence public policy.

The University of Tennessee Early Learning Center for Research and Practice, operated by the Child and Family Studies Department within the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences, currently offers three programs for young children. The programs include an inclusive component designed to serve children with special needs. All programs are open Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 5:30 pm and operate year-round. There are three locations of ELC operation: the White Avenue Preschool and Kindergarten/First Grade Program at 1206 White Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996; the Golf Range Preschool and Toddler Program 3700 Sutherland Avenue, Building T, Knoxville, TN, 37919; and the Lake Avenue Infant and Toddler Program at 2010 Lake Avenue, Knoxville, TN, 37996.

Our Staff

Marge Alcorn – Administrative Specialist I

Jessica Barber – Demonstration Teacher

Kathryn Barr – Demonstration Teacher

Robyn Brookshire – Interim Executive Director

Katie Denton – Demonstration Teacher

Arlene Glanton – Senior Cook

Emily Harlow – Academic Support Specialist

Dilyn Hauck – Academic Support Specialist

Brenda Houser – Senior Cook

Rebecca Jenkins– Interim Demonstration Teacher

Erin Keck– Academic Support Specialist

Lizzie Kelly – Demonstration Teacher

Kathy Kidd – Program Director

Ria Langford – Academic Support Specialist

Tracy Lee – Demonstration Teacher

George Lovell –”Chef” George –Chief Cook

Kathryn Loy – Demonstration Teacher

Alex McElwee – Child Care Assistant

Jill Mixon – Child Care Aide

Elizabeth Newton – Interim Program Director

Karen Olson – Academic Support Specialist

Jennifer Reece – Academic Support Specialist

Danielle Rose – Interim Kindergarten Teacher

Diane Smith – Child Care Assistant

Tiffani Tester – Academic Support Specialist

Contact

Robyn Brookshire, Interim Executive Director
Early Learning Center for Research and Practice
The University of Tennessee
1206 White Avenue
Knoxville, TN 37996-1912
Phone: (865) 974-5720 or (865) 974-0843

Email: rbrooks8@utk.edu or elc@utk.edu

Website: http://elc.utk.edu/