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Lipman Early Learning Research Center

Programs

Reggio Emilia Inspired Classroom

 

 

 

 

The Reggio Emilia Inspired (RI) Track

The Reggio Emilia inspired (RI) collaboration was developed for use in the preschool and kindergarten classrooms. The method focuses on the idea of a self-guided curriculum, where the students learn the curriculum through exploration and projects to tailor the learning to their interests. The curriculum emerges based on children's observation and experiences of their world.

The teacher guides the children's interests into a project where outcomes are determined by the children. Many learning abilities can be satisfied by the collaboration process. The product becomes part of the process rather than the ending of a project. This upholds the mission of our laboratory early childhood school for the University of Memphis.

Learn more about Reggio Emilia >

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The Montessori Track

Montessori I Pre-Primary Classroom for age three through kindergarten

Our teaching practices and many of our extraordinary materials were developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, physician and educator, and one of the most highly original thinkers of the twentieth century. Her philosophy of education, and our demonstration of it, emphasize respect for young children, independence of spirit, freedom of choice, community feeling, beauty and order in the environment, and the joy of learning.

Montessori was one of the first educators to assert that children learn experientially, through movement and sense perception; accordingly, our curriculum depends on children's independent, "hands-on" exploration of the classroom areas: Practical Life, Art, Sensorial, Math, Language and Geography & Culture, which includes Science. Children ages three to six are grouped together to suit the specific needs of their stage of development. Children are admitted only at age three and it is be considered a three-year-long program.

First 8 Logo

 

 

 

 

First 8 Memphis Partnership

The Early Learning & Research Center (ELRC) is proud to continue our partnership with First Eight Memphis. First Eight Memphis works to ensure that every child in Memphis and Shelby County can reach their full potential by building a strong foundation during the first eight years of life. Over the past four years, this partnership has expanded access to high-quality early education while promoting equity and alignment for children and families who meet F8M eligibility criteria.

The ELRC’s blended-funding pilot, launched during the 2024–2025 school year, was a strong success, and we are excited to continue this model for future First Eight Memphis student placements.

Program Eligibility:

  • Children must be 3 or 4 years of age on or before August 15, 2026 to apply.
  • Additional documentation may be requested after the application is submitted.
  • First Eight Memphis prioritizes program enrollment for children whose households meet the most current F8M eligibility criteria.

Application: ELRC & First Eight Memphis Pre-K Application

Families may apply for First Eight Memphis funding to be applied toward ELRC tuition for the upcoming school year.
 
  • The First Eight Memphis application is separate from the general ELRC application.
  • The application is available year-round, and applicants will automatically be added to the waitlist.
  • Families can expect to receive an update regarding their application during the summer.

If you have additional questions or need support, please email elrc@memphis.edu for assistance. 

First Eight Memphis: Tigers At Heart 

We are thrilled to share an exciting new chapter at the Early Learning and Research Center with the launch of a pilot program in partnership with Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, called Tigers at Heart. This initiative extends our commitment to belonging, inclusion, and meaningful learning for every child, wherever they may be.
 
Tigers at Heart is designed to connect young hospital patients and their families, who may otherwise have limited access to a typical classroom, to our ELRC classrooms and school community. Through this program, children receiving care at Le Bonheur will have opportunities to join our school virtually and even one-on-one with a designated teaching team, making friends, playing, and learning alongside our students. There is no cost to families in order for their child to participate in this program. The initiative is fully funded through the generous support of First 8 Memphis, whose investment makes this hospital-based early learning partnership possible.
 
We believe Tigers at Heart will enrich our entire community by nurturing empathy, resilience, and a sense of connection that spans beyond our school walls. 
 
If you're interested in learning more, feel free to take a look at these recent stories about the program. 
 

After School & Enrichment Programs

The Lipman Early Learning & Research Center (ELRC) offers a variety of enrichment programs designed to enhance children’s learning through creative, hands-on experiences that support the whole child. Our enrichment opportunities are thoughtfully integrated into the school day and afterschool hours to expand upon classroom learning while nurturing curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional development. Through activities such as art, music, literacy-based experiences, and character education, children engage in meaningful exploration, collaboration, and problem-solving in developmentally appropriate ways. These experiences provide opportunities for students to discover their interests, build new skills, and connect their learning across multiple domains while fostering a love for creativity, movement, and lifelong learning.
 
Throughout the instructional day, students enjoy art and music experiences facilitated by specialized instructors. During aftercare, children participate in daily enrichment activities within their classrooms, with additional optional classes available for families who wish to explore extended opportunities based on their child’s interests.
 
To learn more about our enrichment and after-school programs, you can reach out to our After-School Coordinator, Taylor Batson, at tbbatson@memphis.edu.

Summer Camp 2025 Flyer

 

Summer Camp 2025

We invite your children ages 3-6 to participate in our Summer Camp Program, specially designed to encourage discovery and imagination through use of senses! Campers will engage in project-based explorations of the world around them through science, technology, engineering, arts, and inquiry. A series of open-ended projects will provoke investigation and awaken creativity among our campers. Camp hours are 8-5PM. 

  • Summer Camp will be held from June 2nd through July 18th.
  • The UofM and Summer Camp will be closed June 19th and July 4th.
  • Tuition for our 7-week camp is $295 per week per child.
  • Summer Camp is open for ages 3 through 6 years old. All campers must be 3 years old by June 1, 2025 and fully potty-trained. Children who are not fully potty-trained upon the start of camp will not be eligible to attend.
  • Here is the ELRC Summer Guide. Please carefully review the details included about fees, snacks, policies, water activities, supplies, etc.
  • All campers will receive an ELRC summer camp backpack on their first day of camp.
  • All spots for the 2025 ELRC Summer Camp are filled. Thank you for your interest in our program!

 

NEW For ELRC Summer Camp 2025

  • Camp is now open to rising 1stgrade students.
  • A discount will be applied for sibling tuition.
  • Children are only required to attend six of the seven weeks to better accommodate your summer plans. The Summer Camp application linked below includes a section for you to give advanced notice about any planned vacations or activities that will result in your child's absence from camp. Tuition for at least six weeks must be paid whether or not your child is in attendance of camp. If you do not give at least 2 weeks' notice for the selected week of absence, you are still subject to be charged for that week.