Department of Education
Kevin Huffman, Commissioner

In 2005, the Office of Early Learning (OEL) was established to administer the Voluntary Pre-K program (VPK). As the OEL grew, additions were made to the overall scope of services. The Head Start State Collaboration Office, Even Start State Coordinator Office, School Administered Child Care Program Evaluation and Family Resource Centers completed the OEL roster of services. In August 2010, the TN Early Intervention System (TEIS) was added to our roster of services. We are now able to offer a wide range of services to every child, birth through age eight years, and their families.

In September 2010, the Office of Early Learning (OEL) was changed to the Division of School Readiness and Early Learning (DSREL). The programs within the DSREL encompass program administration, oversight, monitoring, data collection, technical assistance, training, family literacy, health consultations & special needs services. State, and Federal, progress reports are compiled to provide the names and locations of all sites within our auspices and the number of at risk children and families served.

The various entites within the DSREL collaborate, coordinate and partner with intra-state agencies, local education agencies (LEAs) and community providers to assist the children and families of Tennessee.

Early Childhood Advisory Council (ECAC) Grant Information

Educators, researchers and policymakers acknowledge the importance of early childhood preparation for preschool children, especially services which provide comprehensive developmental services for low-income preschool children.  Focusing on education readiness, social competence, emotional development, physical and mental health, and nutrition, all of which are heralded by Head Start and the other stakeholders represented in Tennessee, the Early Childhood Advisory Council (TN-ECAC) was proposed.  In addition to the TN-ECAC grant, an ECAC Supplemental Application was also submitted.  In the fall of 2010, both proposals were approved for funding and are now in various stages of implementation.

Please review the ECAC Grant and ECAC Supplemental Application and send all questions/suggestions to Tabatha Siddiqi at Tabatha.Siddiqi@tn.gov.

ECAC Grant

ECAC Supplemental Application