The Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture awarded Purdue University $1,036,313.20 under the Cooperative Extension Service program (CFDA 10.500) on September 30, 2025, for the Early Learning Matters (ELM) Project.
The award funds continued development, dissemination, implementation, and sustainability of the ELM curriculum, a comprehensive, evidence-informed program supporting optimal learning and development of children from birth to five years of age. Deliverables include completing, maintaining, and sustaining a web-based platform for the ELM curriculum; engaging content experts on curriculum development and implementation; conducting high-quality filming of early childhood environments to highlight best practices, including weekly lesson plan activities, expert interviews, and classroom special projects; developing and hosting videos on best practices for ELM implementation accessible to military-affiliated early childcare professionals and public visitors; developing core training components for direct care staff, trainers, managers, and family childcare administrators and providers within the DOD Child Development Program system of care; and providing implementation resources and expert consultation to support curriculum fidelity.
Performance occurs at West Lafayette, Indiana, with a period of performance through August 31, 2026. The University of Oregon is a sub-recipient, receiving a sub-award dated April 23, 2026, to support the Early Learning Matters project.