The Institute for Professional Development (IPD) serves early childhood and school-age professionals. The IPD provides training and technical assistance related to social and emotional development of young children (DECA) and curriculum for preschoolers (ELLC).

Contact IPD

Kathy Thornburg, PhD
1400 Rock Quarry Road, Columbia, MO 65211
(573) 882-9998
thornburgk@missouri.edu

Devereux Early Childhood Assessment Program

The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) Program for infants/toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children is a strength-based system designed to promote the protective factors central to social and emotional health and resilience in young children. For more information about the DECA, please visit the Center for Resilient Children.

Emerging Language & Literacy Curriculum

The Emerging Language & Literacy Curriculum (ELLC) prepares preschoolers for success in kindergarten and gives them a strong foundation in oral language and literacy with this scientifically based curriculum. This program not only addresses all developmental domains with theme-based units, children’s literature, multisensory activities, scaffolded instruction and parental involvement but also creates an engaging environment with activity and play-based learning.