LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool Earns State Excellent Rating

LSU’s Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool (ECELP) received an Excellent rating from the Louisiana Department of Education. The preschool’s score rose to 6.30, marking its highest rating to date.

These scores not only earned ECELP an Excellent rating but also placement on the state’s Excellent Honor Roll and the Birth to 2 Honor Roll. ECELP has achieved year-over-year growth, increasing its scores from 5.63 to 6.30. In Louisiana, an Excellent rating is the highest distinction a preschool can earn.  

“This recognition reflects the countless moments—big and small—where teachers thoughtfully plan, reflect, and refine their craft to ensure children are receiving the highest level of care and instruction," said Kamille Watson, director of the LSU Early Childhood Education Laboratory Preschool. "For our students, this rating means they are learning in an environment that values strong relationships, rich language experiences, and meaningful play-based learning. For our families, it represents teachers embracing best practices, nurturing relationships, and upholding our shared commitment to high-quality early childhood education." 

The state recognition reflects a year of remarkable growth for the preschool, where teachers are committed to best practices, nurturing relationships, and delivering high-quality education that creates strong, developmental learning experiences, benefiting both children and families across the community.

“As a model demonstration school, the preschool shows what is possible for early childhood education across our state. We are transforming research into action, shaping high-quality teaching, and setting a standard that elevates outcomes for all children in Louisiana.”

Dean Roland Mitchell, LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Dean

“This achievement reflects the dedication of our educators, the curiosity of our young learners, and the power of evidence-based practice. As a model demonstration school, the preschool shows what is possible for early childhood education across our state. We are transforming research into action, shaping high-quality teaching, and setting a standard that elevates outcomes for all children in Louisiana," said LSU College of Human Sciences & Education Dean Roland Mitchell, PhD. 

The state’s Performance Profile evaluates several key factors, including quality of teacher-child interactions, classroom environment, emotional and instructional support, and how well educators cultivate early learning and development. 

ECELP is a model demonstration laboratory preschool, serving as a hub for innovation, research, and evidence-based early childhood education, while also being a training site for LSU students who will become the state’s future teachers. LSU’s School of Education program offers authentic, immersive, high-quality classroom experiences.  

The preschool aligns closely with LSU’s Tiger Teacher Corps program, which focuses on preparing and retaining strong early childhood and elementary educators. ECELP provides future teachers with direct experience in high-quality classrooms, enabling them to observe and practice effective instruction early in their college careers. Tiger Teacher Corps students receive mentorship, early classroom exposure, PRAXIS support, financial assistance, and advising, and ECELP serves as one of the key places where they build those skills.

Looking forward, the preschool will continue building on this momentum with a focus on steady growth and impactful classroom experiences. Through continued collaboration with the College of Human Sciences & Education and LSU’s teacher-preparation programs, including hands-on learning opportunities for future educators, ECELP will continue to advance its mission to support young children and shape the next generation of Louisiana teachers.

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