Vision Statement

The U of M Early Childhood Advancement Institute is committed to providing professional activities that are engaged and relevant adding to the body of knowledge of education, bettering the lives of young children and families regionally, nationally and internationally, and fostering in undergraduate, graduate students and community educators the knowledge, skills and dispositions to become effective teachers, administrators, leaders, researchers and lifelong learners.

Mission Statement

The Institute’s interdisciplinary research, grant development, service, and collaborative partnerships with public and private entities offer activities focusing on metropolitan early childhood needs and issues. With its motto “ Placing Children First”, the Institute is focused on evidence driven research and professional development opportunities with lasting impact initiatives to better the lives of young children and families.

Housed with the College of Education and the Department of Instruction, Curriculum and Leadership, the Institute invites interdisciplinary research and service. In its activities, the Institute is interested in aspects such as economic, political, sociological, cultural, technological, and psychological influences of early childhood education today.

The Institute offers unique opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students pursuing interdisciplinary academic students. Arrays of professional development opportunities exist for students and community educators to further their understanding of children, families, grant and/or research development, implementation and evaluation, and dissemination in professional publications and presentations.