Tennessee State University in Nashville has recently expanded its Early Learning Center, providing local families with comprehensive care and advancing early childhood education training opportunities for TSU students.
Historically, the Early Learning Center has operated on a school-year schedule. Now located within the HBCU’s Center of Excellence for Learning Services (COELS), the Early Leaning Center will offer year-round child-care services for families in the Davidson County area and beyond. Students studying early childhood education can participate in hands-on training opportunities with the Early Learning Center, providing them with real-world experience before entering the workforce.
“As an instructor in the College of Human Sciences, I recognized the critical need for infant and toddler services at the ELC,” said Kimberly Smith, director of the COELS. “This enhancement not only benefits our families but also creates invaluable opportunities for TSU students to gain practical, hands-on experience.”
The ELC will serve approximately 35 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years old. Through a collaborative partnership with Early Head Start, the center has also opened a new infant/toddler classroom.
“We are eager to fully embrace this opportunity and maximize this partnership to propel childcare forward,” said Akela Barnett, director of the ELC. “Our vision is to establish our program as a beacon of best practices for the Nashville community.”
