Center of Excellence

The Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and Development was established in 1985 through a competitive Centers of Excellence program sponsored by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Multiple deparments operate under the umbrella of the Center of Excellence to serve the region. The Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance Home (TECTA), the Expanding Horizons program which is part of Tennessee's Early Intervention System (TEIS), the Tennessee Department of Education (DOE) Technical Assistance Project and Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) survey dissemination and analysis, and ETSU's Little Buccaneers childcare.

Our Mission is to provide exceptional development to practitioners, families, and professionals who work within the broad arena of early childhood. We strive to support high-quality programs for children, birth to age eight, and their families. As well as, engaging in and sponsoring research and innovation across multiple sectors within our community. Our center is also committed to training and professional development for our Buccaneers pursing academic and professional degrees related to early childhood including research and scholarly opportunities for ETSU faculty and students.

In collaboration with Ballad Health, we developed the Growing Stronger Together podcast for people who care about children. Give it a look!

The faculty and staff of the Center of Excellence in Early Childhood Learning and development value:

Integrity in how we live and work.

All people and their quality of life.

Advocacy and voices of influence. 

Community and the power of its impact.