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Sign up for The CCR&R Connection, CCR&R’s statewide newsletter featuring updates, resources, training opportunities, events, and helpful information for child care professionals across Tennessee.

Early Language & Literacy Resources

Explore tools, training opportunities, guides, and resources designed to support child care programs in building strong, sustainable businesses.

Grow Your Expertise

Early Language & Literacy Specialization

The Early Language & Literacy (ELL) Specialization helps child care professionals strengthen communication, literacy, and social-emotional development through individualized coaching and evidence-based practices. Throughout the program year, participants engage in three core components—LENA Grow, Learning Language & Loving It™, and DECA—to build practical skills that support children's growth and create language-rich learning environments.

Applications are now open! Apply below.

Apply for the ELL Specialization

LENA Grow™

LENA Grow™ helps child care professionals strengthen responsive interactions and increase meaningful conversations with children.

Through coaching, reflection, and practical strategies, participants create language-rich environments that support communication and early brain development.

Learn more

DECA

DECA helps child care professionals strengthen children's social and emotional development through observation, reflection, and intentional support. Participants learn strategies that build resilience, positive relationships, and protective factors that support lifelong success.

Learning Language & Loving It™

Learning Language & Loving It™ helps child care professionals build children's language skills through everyday interactions and routines.

Participants learn practical strategies to encourage conversation, expand vocabulary, and create meaningful opportunities for communication throughout the day.

ELL Specialization Overview Video

Learn what the Early Language & Literacy (ELL) Specialization has to offer by watching this brief overview. Discover the program's three core components, participant expectations, and how it supports children's language, literacy, and social-emotional development.
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ELL Specialization Participant Spotlight

Hear from ELL Specialization participant Vimala Kumari as she shares how the program strengthened her teaching practices, increased meaningful interactions with children, and supported her professional growth.
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Early Language & Literacy Coaches

The TN CCR&R Early Language & Literacy Team partners with child care professionals to strengthen language and literacy development for young children. Through individualized coaching, professional development, and practical resources, coaches help programs build meaningful interactions, support family engagement, and implement strategies that promote communication, emergent literacy, and school readiness.

Early Language & Literacy

Coordinator

Regina Henning

Early Language & Literacy

Assistant Coordinator

Maranda Hughes

Katie Denton-Walls

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