It’s been a difficult time for children lately. They need to learn in a school setting and they need to play. The UA Gadsden Early Learning Initiative is providing that much needed place to learn to love school and develop friendships. “In preschool, social interaction through play-based learning invites children to explore the world around them in new ways, using skills like collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creative innovation to solve problems and learn” (edutopia.org).
The College of Education has two Pre-K classrooms (with plans to expand).
Right now, we would like your help in purchasing an indoor playground set for those rainy days so the children don’t miss out on those important play days.
The University of Alabama Gadsden Early Learning Initiative (ELI) is an inclusive diverse program designed to meet the needs of the community. The ELI strives to promote evidence-based practices and high-quality early learning for all children by a) providing a model of care and education for young children and b) serving as a site to advance in-service and pre-service educator professional development and research in early childhood education.
Consistent with the Mission Statement of The University of Alabama, the goal of the Early Learning Initiative at Gadsden is to be a place where all families are welcomed, valued, and encouraged to be part of the community; serve as a model site for early childhood educators; and serve as a research facility to further the fields of early care and education and child development.
