The TECTA Management Office is located at Tennessee State University Center of Excellence for Research in Basic Skills. Dr. Rick Vanosdall is the Interim COE. Evelyn Hale is the program director. There are nine TECTA locations Statewide.

The Purpose of TECTA

The Purpose of TECTA is to establish a statewide training and professional recognition system to support and enhance the qualifications of early childhood education personnel.

Meeting the Need for Training

In Tennessee, approximately 65% of preschool age children are now is some form of routine non-parental care. An estimated 3,100 licensed child care centers and 2830 licensed or registered family child care providers in Tennessee, with approximately 30,000 working staff members including directors, home care providers and teachers who provide early childhood education and school age child care for over 232,500 children.

History of TECTA

East Tennessee State University was selected as a pilot TECTA site in July 1993. At that time we served a 9 county training area. The first TECTA classes were held at the ETSU Early Childhood Conference. Today we serve a 15 county training area and have added an additional ETSU-TECTA location at Walters State Community College.

Who is eligible for TECTA classes

TECTA classes are offered fall and spring semester with orientations for preschool, infant/toddler, family child care providers, school age providers, and administrators. Orientation consists of 30 hours of early childhood education. These classes are free for anyone 18 years of age who has a high school diploma or GED, living in Tennessee and working in a regulated child care center, home, or after school program. Upon completion of the orientation students then qualify to continue with college classes and may be eligible for financial scholarships.

Accreditation Assistance

Another component of the ETSU-TECTA location is Accreditation Assistance. We provide support for any regulated child care agency or family provider working toward national accreditation. Centers must have some of their employees training or education supported by TECTA in order to qualify for assistance. Services include technical assistance, training, support and financial assistance. For more information about national accreditation visit NAEYC, NAFCC, or call us at (423) 439-7855.

For additional Information visit tecta.info.