Program Overview

PDG supports Tennessee early learning programs serving children birth–5 through direct coaching and statewide systems work. The goal is to enhance the quality of early learning across Tennessee, both in individual classrooms and in the standards that guide the field.

CLEE’s Role in PDG 

Professional Development: Through TDOE-awarded sub and microgrants, PDG supports programs in strengthening classroom quality through CLASS observations and individualized coaching, helping educators build interactions that support children’s learning and development from birth through age 5. 

CLEE has built a statewide coaching model, including tools, protocols, and training that ground each coaching relationship in trust before an observation ever happens. This ensures coaches across every region of Tennessee are equipped to support programs consistently and well. 

Systems Change: CLEE is partnering with TDOE to revise the Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards, ensuring they remain current, research-grounded, and useful to the educators and programs who rely on them every day. 

Event Planning and Management: CLEE provides comprehensive event planning and logistical leadership for the annual Early Childhood BRIDGE Conference—Building Relationships, Inclusion, Development, and Growth in Early Learning—supporting a seamless statewide gathering focused on high-quality instruction and joyful learning environments for Tennessee’s youngest learners. 

PDG’s Impact

Through PDG, Tennessee early learning programs receive consistent, individualized support. Our coaches build relationships with program leaders, using CLASS observations as a starting point for meaningful, responsive coaching. The result is stronger interactions between educators and children, and program leaders who feel supported. 

At the same time, our partnership with TDOE on the TN-ELDS revision is helping ensure the standards guiding early learning across the state stay grounded in current research and truly reflect what young children need to grow and learn well. 

Together, this work is strengthening the quality of early learning experiences for children birth through age 5 across Tennessee, one program and one relationship at a time.

PDG supports Tennessee early learning programs in the following Tennessee counties (counties in orange have PDG support; the darker the orange, the greater the number of programs in that county that are supported by PDG).