Administrative Staff
Jim Elicker, Ph.D.
Director Early Childhood Programs
Associate Professor of Developmental Studies
(765) 494-2938
elickerj@purdue.edu
I have been an early childhood educator for more than 35 years, including being a teacher in Head Start and campus child care, a program administrator, a teacher educator, and a researcher. I have a masters in human development/early education from Harvard and a Ph.D. in Child Psychology from Minnesota.
I believe that young children learn best through direct and active experiences with people and the world. Relationships with parents and teachers are key. I want every child to feel secure, valued, and accepted when they go to school. I want each child to be challenged also, to have an "Ah-hah!" experience every day: make a new discovery or come to a new understanding. Our challenge as teachers is to create an environment where children can feel secure and loved, but also be encouraged to discover and learn.
Tami Lynch, M.S.
Associate Director
(765) 494-4112
tlynch@purdue.edu
Since coming to Purdue in 1990 I have played many roles in the Child Development and Family Studies department. I have been an early childhood education student, an early childhood educator, and a program administrator. I have a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education and a master's degree in Education Studies with an emphasis in Higher Education Administration both from Purdue. Along with my Purdue experiences I have also taught a Child Development Associates Credential course.
My belief is that children learn best through active exploration of their surrounding environments. When children are able to play and learn at their own pace, the experience will have lasting impressions and will foster a great love of learning. Along with the exploration, children and parents must feel safe and secure in their child care setting. It is important to realize that each child and family has their own intrinsically unique attributes and to value and expound on those unique qualities. I feel that it is important to see the child as an extension of the family and to work cooperatively with the family for the best outcome for all children.
