Early Childhood Laboratory

The Early Childhood Laboratory (ECL) is a university-based center within the College of Education’s Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education. The ECL operates as a licensed child care facility in compliance with the Division of Regulated Child Care in the state of Kentucky. The ECL is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and maintains a 5 Star Rating through Kentucky All STARS. The ECL acts as a community-inclusive center, serving families with and without affiliation to the University of Kentucky. 

The initial establishment of the ECL dates back to 1928. For decades, the ECL operated out of the basement of Erikson Hall on UK’s central campus. In 2014, through the support of the College of Education, UK Board of Trustees, and the Office of the Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration, renovations began on a new site what would become the current home of the ECL. These renovations were completed in 2015, and the ECL began serving children and families at the state-of-the-art, 10,000 square foot site, located at 621 S. Limestone. In 2022, through a generous gift from Dr. Edward C. Elliot and family, the playground at the ECL was fully remodeled to promote physical activity, motor development, and the safety of all children who attend the ECL. Looking to the future, the ECL will continue to advance its service and supports for young children and their families.

The ECL has a three-part mission:

1. The ECL serves as a model early childhood program in the community. Programs offered for children 6 weeks to 5 years include Infant/Toddler Classes, Young Preschool Classes, and Preschool Classes. The ECL teachers serve as instructors for college courses, and trainers and presenters for other child care workers.
2. The ECL serves as a teacher-training site for future early childhood teachers. University students learn about becoming teachers of young children through observation, participation, and teaching experiences.
3. The ECL serves as a site for research in child development and early childhood education. ECL children are occasionally involved in research projects conducted by university students. Prior to such involvement, parents are informed about the nature, purpose, and procedures of a given study. Consent from parents is essential before any child participates.

We believe children learn by doing and that development is a process. We assume children are active, competent, and curious. We believe children learn best in a safe environment, which encourages their active involvement in the learning process, promotes home-school continuity, and enhances the individual child’s areas of development (i.e., cognitive, emotional, physical, and social development). As a result, the ECL offers programs for young children based on simple routines, careful planning, and developmental appropriateness. Children have opportunities for self-selected activities, small and large group activities and outside play.