Judy Bonner Child Development Center

Early Learning Collaborative

Early Learning Collaborative

Early Learning Collaborative Identifier

The years between birth and age five are some of the most formative years in a child’s development. During that time, the brain is developing rapidly. By age three, about 85% of the brain has developed and about 92% of the brain has developed by age five (Dr. Patricia Kuhl, Institute for Learning & Brain Sciences at University of Washington)!

The CHES early learning collaborative works to help early childhood educators and professionals, parents, and policymakers understand the importance of the early years and to prepare professionals to effectively work with children and families.

Partners in Early Learning
The Early Childhood Education (ECE) major partners with The UA Children’s Program, RISE Center, and Child Development Resources (CDR) to support early childhood professionals – students and pre-service teachers, veteran teachers, childcare professionals and administrators, and others – at every stage of their career.

Students and pre-service teachers learn the foundations of early childhood education and developmentally appropriate practice. Veteran teachers receive valuable information, training, and resources from Child Development Resources to provide best practices to children in many early learning programs across Alabama. The UA Children’s Program and The RISE Center serve children and families as well as students in teacher preparation.

Through the work of partnerships, the collaborative is a one-stop hub for all matters related to early learning, young children, and families. See some of our recent work in celebrating NAEYC’s Week of the Young Child


CHES EARLY LEARNING COLLABORATIVE 

child


Students in the early childhood education major learn about children’s development and skills to teach children in infant, toddler, and preschool settings. The major is accredited by The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and offers teaching certification (birth to age four). 





​​Learn more about a major in Early Childhood Education…


child and shapes

The Children’s Program provides high-quality learning experiences for young children while educating future child development professionals about developmentally appropriate practices. 

​ Learn more The Children’s Program…

kids reading

The RISE Center enriches the lives of young children with and without special needs. Children receive music therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy in inclusive classrooms.
​ Learn more about The RISE Center

family

Child Development Resources (CDR) provides information and resources that enhance families’ abilities to provide a safe, loving, and enriching life for young children. CDR also provides training for professional childcare providers.

Learn more about Child Development Resources…