Kindergarten Program
The Early Learning Center for Research and Practice at the University of Tennessee was pleased to initiate a Kindergarten Program in 2006. The program operates from the same philosophical base as ELC pre-K programs with an emphasis on the individual child, play and project-based learning, and the view that children are capable and competent learners. Within this framework, the curriculum is designed to integrate and meet the Tennessee State Standards for kindergarten programs and is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Education as a private kindergarten.
Teaching Staff: Elizabeth Newton, M.S., is the Lead Kindergarten Teacher. Jennifer Talley is the Assistant Teacher and After-School Care Coordinator. Kathy Kidd, M.S., Director of Preschool and Kindergarten Programs, serves as the on-site administrator.
Location and Hours: The program is housed at 1206 White Avenue and operates in what has traditionally been called the “West” classroom. The official kindergarten day runs from 8:00 am-2:30 pm. Children should arrive between 7:30-8:00 am. After-school care is available on-site from 2:30-5:30 pm. The official school year lasts approximately 9 1/2 months from mid-August through May. A parent/child visit day begins the school year in August.
Tuition and Expenses: The annual tuition rate for the kindergarten is $6,000 and is to be paid in 10 equal monthly installments. Tuition is paid in advance. A security deposit of $500 is required for each enrolling child by April 15 th of the enrolling year. The security deposit will be applied to your child’s May kindergarten tuition. In addition, after-school care is offered for families needing this service. The hourly rate for after-school child care is $4.50 an hour with a maximum monthly after-school fee of $150. A supplies and materials fee of $200 is required for each child upon enrollment.
Kindergarten Enrollment Application
Unlike ELC pre-K programs, parents contract for the kindergarten program for the entire school year . A written notice to the program director is required 30 days prior to withdrawing your child. Every attempt will be made to fill the vacancy. However, should we not be able to enroll a new child, parents will remain responsible for the tuition for the remainder of the school year. Enrollment: In making admission decisions, we strive to maintain a balance among children in terms of gender, race, socioeconomic background, and range of abilities. Applications are considered in the following order of priority: children currently enrolled in an ELC pre-K program; children of University-affiliated families; children of families from the greater Knox community. For more information about the program please contact us 865.974.0843 or elc@utk.edu.