Lottie W. Thornton
Early Childhood Center

“Committed to Excellence and Dedicated to Leadership”

Jackson State University, School of Education, Lottie W. Thornton Early Childhood Center, is located on the first floor of the Joseph H. Jackson School of Education Building. The Center provides childcare services for faculty, staff, students and the general community and serves a multi-purpose in the area of teacher education. It offers diversified laboratory experience for graduate and undergraduate students in cognitive, psychomotor and creative learning. The Center also provides an enriching educational experience for young children. Its also cooperates with curriculum and research efforts of Jackson State University students and faculty.

Opportunities for both observational and practical experience are provided for courses in Early Childhood/Elementary Education, Reading, Special Education and Physical Education. The Center also serves other schools within the University including Mass Communication and the Department of Speech. Preschool teachers and children’s programs within the city and state visit the Center. The Center staff serves as consultants and presenters for numerous professional organizations and programs.

Lottie Thornton Early Childhood Center is inspected by the Mississippi State Board of Health. Inspections are based on specific standards relating to health, safety, and proper child care as well as definite personnel requirements. The Center is licensed by the Mississippi State of Health and has NAEYCE accreditation potential.

Admission Requirements

These policies apply to all students using the Center:

· An application form must be completed.

· A health certificate and record of immunization (subsequent statements must be submitted as immunizations are administered)

· A student must attend on a regular basis.

Failure to comply with these requirements is cause for dismissal.

Educational Activities

Early Childhood Center teachers, with the assistance of practicum and college work-study students, plan and implement a regular schedule of sound developmental activities. These activities include stimulation in the personal, social, find motor, gross motor, and language areas. Educational toys, materials, games, field trips and staff experience are used in developing the curriculum.

Monthly Tuition - Fees

Tuition should be paid to the JSU Office of Financial Services. The receipt showing payment of fees should be brought to the Center’s office.

Faculty - Staff - Student

12 weeks-2 years $200.00
2 years - 5 years $180.00
(Potty-trained only)

General Community

12 weeks - 2 years $260.00
2 years - 5 years $240.00
(Potty-trained only)

Summer Activity Fee

2 year- 5 years $ 50.00

Fall Registration Fee

All Student enrolled $ 85.00

Operating Hours

Monday - Friday
7:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Center observes all major holidays and days when the University is officially closed.

Our Center staff is composed of teachers with either college degrees or previous training experience in early childhood education.

They are members of the Jackson Association on Children Under Six (JACUS); Mississippi Association on Children Under Six (MACUS), and Souther Associations on Children Under Six (SACUS). These organizations provide inservice training throughout the year. In addition, the staff attends an annual preschool workshop to keep abreast on the latest in materials, methods, and trends in early childhood education.

Contact Information

Jackson State University
School of Education
P. O. Box
Jackson MS 39217
(601) 979-2400

Head Teacher Mrs. Alice McGowan
Teacher Mrs. Janet Grishby
Caregiver #1 Mrs. Patricia Osborne
Caregiver #2 Mrs. Kim Birden