Early Childhood Education : Early Childhood Organizations

The mission of the Center on the Developing Child is to leverage the power of science in pursuit of better, more equitable outcomes for young children facing adversity.

Our mission is to work for just, equitable, and quality early childhood education and care for every young child. We inform educators, administrators, and parents about how children develop and learn best. We advocate for active, playful, experiential
approaches to learning informed by child development theory and evidence-based research.

To cultivate a society where inclusion and belonging is a lived reality for young children and their families across a diverse diaspora that embraces, celebrates, and empowers them to be actively engaged in their communities.​

The first five years last forever. And the First Five Years Fund is focused on making sure more families have affordable access to quality child care and early learning programs for their children.

For over 50 years HighScope has led the movement to close the opportunity gap through high-quality early education. Together, we can empower educators, lift families, and prepare our youngest for school and for life.

Trusted Well-Being Data on Children and Young People in the United States

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is a professional membership organization that works to promote high-quality early learning for all young children, birth through age 8, by connecting early childhood practice, policy, and research. We advance a diverse, dynamic early childhood profession and support all who care for, educate, and work on behalf of young children.

NBCDI is the preeminent voice for Black children and families. Our work is creating a world that benefits from the strengths and power of Black children. We focus on the assets Black children bring to our world simply by being.

The National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) improves the learning and development of young children by collaborating with a network of local, state, national, and international early education practitioners to conduct, create and disseminate rigorous research, evaluation, and policy analysis that transforms early childhood policy and practice.

We are a network of educators, parents, and advocates seeking to elevate both the quality of life and the quality of schools and centers for young children. We envision a world where all children are honored and respected for their potential, capabilities, and humanity. Our mission is to build a diverse community of advocates and educators to promote and defend the rights of children, families, and teachers of all cultures through pedagogy that innovates.

Since 1977, we have translated our expertise in the science of early childhood development into pioneering programs, field-leading training and resources, and responsive policy solutions. As a membership-based organization, we provide a vibrant, connected community for professionals in diverse disciplines focused on child development who are committed to advancing their knowledge and skills. Our work creates lasting, transformative change for children, their families and our future.

The department works to issue licenses efficiently to Tennessee educators in accordance with legislative codes and state board rules and regulations and policies. The office of educator licensure and preparation is responsible for the issuance of all Tennessee educator licenses, and approval of educator preparation programs.

Training and resources for child care professionals and families

TECTA is a statewide system established to provide affordable professional development with academic degree credit possibilities for Tennessee's early childhood education personnel. This project is funded by the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences at Tennessee State University through a contract with the Tennessee Department of Human Services.

The Tennessee Early Intervention System (TEIS) is a program that provides services to infants and young children who have disabilities or other developmental delays. The TEIS program is a critically important program to supporting young children and their families to reach their optimal development.

Tennessee K-12 Education Vision and Priorities
We will set all students on a path to success.

We are Tennessee’s Loud Voices for Little Kids

Take Action: Tell Legislators to Give Kids a Strong Start

"Growing Together as Professionals” AACEE is a professional early childhood organization serving early childhood educators in Northeast Tennessee.

We’re rooted in a commitment to protect and advocate for our students, our profession, and our members.

The department promotes educational services and programs for all Tennessee's students with special education needs. The department is committed to systematic planning along with plan implementation, tracking, and accountability as a vehicle for providing the leadership necessary for fulfilling this purpose.

The Tennessee Academic Standards provide a common set of expectations for what students will know and be able to do at the end of a grade for each subject area. Our state’s standards are rooted in the knowledge and skills students need to succeed in their postsecondary studies and/or careers.

The Tennessee Early Childhood Education Early Learning Developmental Standards, or TN-ELDS, were first developed in 2004 to provide documentation of the continuum of developmental milestones from birth through age five based on the research about the processes, sequences, and long term consequences of early learning and development.