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Little Govs
Child Learning Center

Aerial shot of children sitting in a circle outside on the grass.

At the APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center, we believe that a child’s work is PLAY! Children are exposed to a variety of meaningful daily learning experiences that develop children’s intellectual, creative, physical, emotional and social capabilities. Activities are age and developmentally appropriate, promote hands-on and foster a love of learning.

At the APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center, we believe that a child’s work is PLAY! Children are exposed to a variety of meaningful daily learning experiences that develop children’s intellectual, creative, physical, emotional and social capabilities. Activities are age and developmentally appropriate, promote hands-on and foster a love of learning.

At the APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center, we believe that a child’s work is PLAY! Children are exposed to a variety of meaningful daily learning experiences that develop children’s intellectual, creative, physical, emotional and social capabilities. Activities are age and developmentally appropriate, promote hands-on and foster a love of learning.

Home » Little Govs Child Learning Center
ENROLLING FOR FALL 2025!

Enroll your child now!

We have openings for ages two and a half, three-year-old, and four-year-old children who are fully potty trained.

We invite you to schedule a tour to learn more about the exceptional care and early learning experiences we provide.

Please call us at 931-221-6232 to schedule a tour and meet our staff or complete the online Waiting List Application to be contacted.

Play is Paramount at the Austin Peay Little Govs Child Learning Center.

We believe children learn best through play. Play is the avenue through which children learn to reason, develop language, gain social skills and naturally learn to deal with the world around them. We feel our role is to provide children with the opportunity to play and grow as individuals. With our excellent teacher to child ratio, families can trust that their children will receive the individualized attention they need during this developmental stage in life.

2:14
Two and half to Three-year olds teacher to child ratio
2:16
Four year olds teacher to child ratio
★★★
Star Rating - Hightest center ranking possible

Thank you for your support!

Little Govs Playground

About us

We offer a comprehensive, natural curriculum forged around the idea that a child's work is play. Our staff are fully-trained, with multiple degrees, certifications, and recognitions required for employment. Our mission is to ensure your child has a safe place to learn about the world around them, and every day we look forward to making that a reality.

Child smiling as their hand get painted at a festival.

 

The Austin Peay State University Little Govs Child Learning Center serves children of APSU students, alumni, staff and faculty as well as children in the community. Our goal is to maintain the highest level of childcare in a loving environment for our children and families.

 

The Little Govs Child Learning Center enhances the growth, development and performance of APSU students and other parents by maintaining a campus children's center whose primary objective is to promote the continuous well-being of the children and adults it serves through programs and services that meet their social, emotional, and cognitive needs.



The APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center is licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and has earned the highest rating with three stars. The highest ratings have been earned in the following areas: Director Qualification, Professional Developmental Learning, Parent/Family Engagement, Ratio and Group Size, Staff Compensation, Program Assessment and Child Health Well-Being.

Staff and children participating in a sack race

 

The APSU Little Govs teaching staff is fueled with passion for the early childhood profession and are led with knowledge, experience, enthusiasm, values and vision. We build cohesive teams by valuing each teacher’s strengths and contributions within the program. Our teachers are excellent educators, that are highly trained to create a high-quality program, by providing a safe and healthy learning environment for young children.

 

APSU Little Govs teaching staff have earned a national recognition through the Council for Professional Recognition, holding a Child Development Associate Credential (CDA), Technical Early Childhood Teaching Certificate and/or degrees in Early Childhood Education (ECED).



Additionally, all staff hold certificates in Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES), Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance (TECTA), Tennessee Early Learning Developmental Standards (TNELDS), Shaken Baby Syndrome, Gold Sneaker, Social and Emotional Development, Inclusion for Children with Disabilities, Language and Literacy Development and CPR and First Aid.

 

Read more about our wonderful staff

The APSU Little Govs Child Learning Center is licensed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) and has earned the highest rating with three stars. The highest ratings have been earned in each of the the following areas:



NECPA Accreditation, Director Qualification, Professional Development, Developmental Learning, Parent/Family Engagement, Ratio and Group Size, Staff Compensation, Program Assessment and Child Health Well-Being.



The Little Govs Child Learning Center has also earned the Gold Sneaker Award, a recognition to promote health and wellness for young children. The Gold Sneaker Initiative enhances the center’s policies related to physical activity, healthy eating, and tobacco- free environment.

Children play in the outdoor area

 

The Little Govs Child Learning Center has a very unique outdoor play space that invites nature back into the play yard. Our space is filled with natural materials, art, hills, pathways, trees, herbs, open areas, sand, water, music, swings, hammocks, and garden areas. This is a place that children can create childhood memories and find places to run, climb, dig, pretend, and hide. The natural playscape areas encourage active play as well as silent play. Children are encouraged to jump in puddles and play in the mud, they can explore, discover and learn about the outdoors and world around them. Natural playscapes stimulate the child’s imagination and creativity while promoting physical, intellectual, social, and emotional development.

Child dressed as spiderman, showing off their muscles

 

We host multiple events throughout the year that help us accomplish our mission of Learning through Play. From our Fall Pumpkin Patch and Hayrides to Scholastic Bookfairs and St. Jude Trikathon, there's always an event for your family to participate in, at the Little Govs CLC. 


Yearly events:

  • Pumpkin patch
  • Hayrides
  • Fall Festival
  • St. Jude Trikathon
  • Scholastic Bookfairs
  • Spring Fun with Easter Egg Hunt
  • Yoga Fun

Families on a hayride

 

Family participation and communication is invited, encouraged, and appreciated! It is vital to our success in helping children grow, develop and learn. We strive to form a cohesive partnership with families in the care and education of their children.



Read more about being involved with your child's learning

Children in halloween costumes

 

We offer competitive tuition rates for children ages three and four years of age, with discounts given for siblings. We offer childcare for your schedule, with multiple different plans from daily childcare, Monday/Wednesday/Friday, Tuesday/Thursday, and Monday through Friday as well. We also host fall and spring registrations.



Read more about our rates

Contact us!

Little Govs Child Learning Center
(931) 221-6232
littlegovsCLC@apsu.edu

Hours
Monday through Friday:
7:15 a.m. - 5 p.m.

APSU students perform experiments for Little Govs
APSU Leadership Students Use Science to Amaze Little Govs!

“In this class we are required to conduct a service project for the community,” student David Nikolao said. “My group and I have decided that our service project would be a little more out of the box.” As part of the science show, Austin Peay’s chemistry club, Chi Epsilon Mu, created “smoking juice” for the children, which they were able to drink. The club also made “elephant toothpaste,” which resulted in a large mound of foam.

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Dr. Christopher Clarke

We are so grateful for the Little Govs Child Learning Center and the care they provide to our 3-year-old daughter. Witnessing her growth, personality, and development blossom under the guidance of leaders who truly care has been remarkable. As an administrator at APSU, it gives me great comfort to know that I am leaving my child in the hands of trusted colleagues who are dedicated to creating a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. The impact Little Govs has made on our family is immeasurable. Thank you, Little Govs, for all you do for our daughter and for so many APSU families.

Whitney Swallows

We love Little Govs for so many reasons. As an educator myself, I can see the purposeful approach to Kindergarten readiness. From fine motor skills to letters and numbers, I know my son is as ready as he can be to enter the next phase of his educational journey thanks to Little Govs. We appreciate being known and loved as a family by all Little Govs staff. Our son absolutely loves going to school and knows everyone by name. With little to no turn over and consistent substitutes, I never have to worry that I am leaving him with a stranger in the morning. The partnerships with other APSU programs and departments is unparalleled. While classroom learning is fun and engaging, being able to have hands on experiences takes it to the next level! Our son loves when the construction equipment or APSU police department officers visit. With small class sizes, the family community is tight knit and supportive. I can’t say enough about Little Govs. They have opened our eyes to educational opportunities beyond our imagination. Little Govs has been a blessing to our family.

Dr. Jodi Carrier

I cannot thank Little Govs enough for all the love and support they have shown to me and my sons since we started attending here. I have three very rambunctious little boys, and Little Govs has been instrumental in their growth and development. They have such a beautiful outdoor space filled with lots of intentional, thought-out centers to spark play and intrigue, which they utilize often to support social learning and to allow them to enjoy the outdoors. My youngest son has a speech delay and experiences some emotional struggles as well, and they have always been incredibly supportive in helping him to learn and thrive both academically and emotionally. They are always so patient and so kind, and are constantly working with APSU and the community to find resources and activities for their students and families. There is no doubt in my mind that they love my sons, which is invaluable when you are trusting someone else to care for your children.