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Preschool Access for ALL Learning Network (Preschool AALN)

Program Overview

The Tennessee Department of Education’s (TDOE) Preschool Access for All Learning Network (Preschool AALN) is focused on increasing inclusive, least restrictive environment opportunities for children ages 3 to 5 (not in kindergarten), increasing access to developmentally appropriate environments, and ensuring high-quality instruction for all students.

CLEE’s Role in Preschool AALN

Systems Innovation & Improvement: CLEE partners with the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) to lead the Preschool Access for All Learning Network (P-AALN), a statewide initiative that advances inclusive preschool opportunities for young children with disabilities. Through district access cohorts, the statewide IEP Cohort, community partner trainings, and targeted technical assistance, we collaborate with TDOE to strengthen systems, build educator capacity, and improve outcomes for preschool children with disabilities.

Professional Development: Professional learning is a cornerstone of P-AALN. Through access cohorts, IEP Cohort, community partner trainings, and targeted technical assistance, P-AALN builds the capacity of educators, district leaders, and early childhood partners to implement high-quality inclusive practices. Our Regional Access Coaches (RACs) provide coaching, facilitate leadership walkthroughs, develop and deliver professional learning, and support professional learning communities within the districts we serve.

Event Planning and Management: Continuous professional development serves as a catalyst for improvement within Preschool AALN. CLEE provides all event planning and management within the network to ensure a seamless experience for all participants.

Preschool AALN’s Impact

Expanding Inclusive Preschool Across Tennessee
Since 2020, P-AALN has partnered with 85 Tennessee school districts to help create more inclusive, high-quality preschool experiences for children with disabilities. In 2025–2026 alone, P-AALN supported 58 districts and conducted 815 classroom observations, with educators showing growth across all areas of high-quality instructional practice. The Network also helps districts use APR Indicator 6 data to understand and strengthen children’s access to regular early childhood programs. Across more than 4,100 responses to P-AALN learning opportunities during 2025–2026, 98% or higher agreement was reported across many offerings, demonstrating strong participant satisfaction with the learning and support provided.

Support That Meets Districts Where They Are
P-AALN continues to grow to meet the evolving needs of Tennessee’s early childhood community. In addition to cohort-based professional learning and coaching, the Network now offers an IEP Cohort, community childcare partner trainings, and targeted coaching and technical assistance for districts. Whether districts are strengthening inclusive classroom practices, developing high-quality IEPs, supporting community partners, or using data to guide improvement, P-AALN provides practical, responsive support designed to help more preschool children learn and thrive in inclusive environments.

Preschool Access for ALL Learning Network (Preschool AALN) programs are currently available in the following Tennessee counties (counties in orange have programs; the darker the orange, the greater the number of programs in that county).

“Participation in the Preschool Access for All Learning Network has provided our teachers with exceptional professional learning, ongoing coaching, and practical resources that have strengthened instruction for every child…Rather than viewing inclusion as an additional responsibility, our educators now approach it as a best practice that enhances learning for all students.”

— Caroline Woodason, PK–8 Supervisor, Jackson County Schools

“Over the past three years, we have increased the number of young children with disabilities served in inclusive early childhood settings by more than 230%. This partnership has strengthened our belief that when schools intentionally create inclusive environments, all children benefit.”

— Todd Clinton, Special Education Supervisor, Jackson County Schools