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Little Govs
University

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

At the APSU Little Govs University, 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 University 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 University, 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.

Play is Paramount at the Austin Peay Little Govs University.

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.

7:1
Two ½ – Three YO Child to Teacher Ratio
★★★
DHS Star Rating (highest rank possible)
8:1
Four YO Child to Teacher Ratio

 

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 APSU Little Govs University 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.

 

Little Govs University 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.

 

Little Govs University 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.

 

Our teachers have also achieved the LENA certification which refers to the LENA Grow professional development program for early childhood educators.  This program focuses on increasing "conversational turns" between teachers and children to boost language development and brain function. 

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

  • Social and Emotional Development

  • Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

  • Language and Literacy Development

  • CPR and First Aid

 

Read more about our wonderful staff

The APSU Little Govs University 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

  • Child Health Well-Being

Children play in the outdoor area

 

The Little Govs University 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 University. 


Yearly events:

  • Pumpkin Patch

  • Hayrides

  • Fall Festival

  • Equipment Showcase

  • Scholastic Bookfairs

  • Spring Fun with Easter Egg Hunt

  • Family Picnic and Play Day

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.

 

  • We have a Family Engagement Team that all families are invited to sign up to be a part of. Meetings are held a few times during the school year. This team helps with fundraisers, events and staff appreciations.

  • Parent Conferences are offered once a year. Teachers use this time to discuss the child's development and progress, as well as celebrating the many milestones that the child has achieved during their time at Little Govs.

 

Parent involvement is always welcomed here at Little Govs. Parent input only betters our center and helps us to provide a more well-rounded education experience for your children.

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

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.