University of Tennessee Early Learning Center

03/19/2026

We hope you will join us for the 2026 Early Learning Institute! This year, our conference theme is Beauty in the Mess: The Complex Work of Teaching and Learning and we can’t wait to welcome early childhood professionals to the ELC this summer! Through hands-on sessions, candidates reflections, and honest conversations, we’ll uncover how curiosity, collaboration, and creativity shape everyday practice, honoring both the challenges and magic of our work. Registration is open via the link in our bio!

03/16/2026

It's that time of year again! Registration for the 2026 Early Learning Institute is open! This year, our conference theme is Beauty in the Mess: The Complex Work of Teaching and Learning and we can't wait to welcome early childhood professionals to the ELC. Through hands-on sessions, candid reflections, and honest conversations, we’ll uncover how curiosity, collaboration, and creativity shape everyday practice, honoring both the challenges and the magic of our work. We hope you will join us! https://sites.google.com/utk.edu/eli2024/home

01/21/2026

Save the date for the 2026 Early Learning Institute! Learn more here! https://mailchi.mp/3378c33835c3/eli-2025-save-the-date-12931746

11/05/2025

The is live and the ELC is the featured beneficiary of this year's campaign for the UTK College of Education, Health & Human Sciences!

As the ELC prepares to celebrate our 100th anniversary in 2027, this campaign is perfectly timed to bolster our general fund so we can continue to facilitate interdisciplinary research, provide laboratory experiences for academic programs at the University, and provide high quality early education programs for young children while honoring a commitment to outreach, advocacy, and the development of public policy.

We appreciate your support and shares! https://give.utk.edu/campaigns/67028/donations/new?a=10820589&designation_id=child_08

The University of Tennessee Early Learning Center for Research and Practice has nurtured Volunteers for nearly a century. With your support, we can continue ...

11/05/2025

The University of Tennessee Early Learning Center for Research and Practice has nurtured Volunteers of all ages for nearly a century. With your support, we can continue our important mission for another 100 years. To support our 2025 Big Orange Give campaign, visit https://give.utk.edu/campaigns/67028/donations/new?a=10820589&designation_id=child_08. We appreciate your support and sharing our campaign!

05/20/2025

The ELI is coming soon! Together, we’ll explore how our practice shapes our understanding of childhood—and how we can continue leading with strength, reflection, and purpose. Learn more here: https://sites.google.com/utk.edu/eli2024/home

05/06/2025

We hope you're planning to join us for the 2025 Early Learning Institute! Check out the preview of the content we're preparing for this year's ELI and then get registered!

https://mailchi.mp/b9e9c093cd3e/the-early-learning-institute-is-back-12928058

05/01/2025

Ready for engaging professional development this summer? Join us for the Early Learning Institute: Sowing Seeds of Strength June 26th and 27th! See more about what we’re planning for this summer and register now- spaces are limited! Link to site is in our bio!

04/24/2025

Ready for engaging professional development this summer? Join us for the Early Learning Institute: Sowing Seeds of Strength June 26th and 27th! See more about what we're planning for this summer and register now- spaces are limited! http://Sites.google.com/utk.edu/eli2024/home

03/13/2025

Enrollment is open for our kindergarten program! The ELC offers play and project-based learning, plentiful time outdoors, focus on the development of the whole child, social and emotional learning, and a small class size in our Tennessee Department of Education licensed kindergarten classroom! If you want your child to experience kindergarten in a unique learning environment, visit us on the web to learn how to get started!
https://tiny.utk.edu/elckinder

10/03/2024

We are looking for a Program Support Specialist to join our team!

If you are looking for a position working with young children (infants-kindergarten) in a warm, welcoming, and child-centered program, you've found it! This position comes with full University benefits including healthcare and tuition assistance. Check out the official job posting here: https://elc.utk.edu/employment-opportunities/

Have questions about the position or need help with the application process? Reach out to us at [email protected]!