Early Learning Evaluation Center
The Early Learning Evaluation Center (ELEC) is a multidisciplinary center dedicated to providing comprehensive evaluations, early intervention services, and family-centered support for young children. Bringing together experts from across education, healthcare, and related disciplines, the ELEC connects families with the resources they need to help every child thrive.
Understanding Today. Supporting Tomorrow.
At the ELEC at Ole Miss, we provide comprehensive evaluations to help young children reach their full potential.
We work together with families, pediatricians, and early childhood professionals to create personalized recommendations and support every child's success.
We’re happy to answer any questions you have about your child and the evaluation process at the Early Learning Evaluation Center. Just fill out our contact form and a team member will get back to you soon.
Our Services
Child Psychology
Understanding how a child thinks, feels, and grows is often the first step toward getting them the right support. Our evaluations look closely at cognitive functioning, emotional well-being, behavior, and developmental progress, giving families a complete picture of their child's strengths and needs. Our psychologists use evidence-based, child-centered methods and work alongside families every step of the way, so results turn into clear answers families can act on with confidence.
Occupational Therapy
Our pediatric occupational therapy services help infants, children, and adolescents build the skills they need to thrive at home, school, and in the community. We provide comprehensive evaluations and individualized treatment for children facing autism, chromosomal disorders, developmental delays, sensory processing challenges, motor and visual-motor difficulties, feeding concerns, self-care needs, and challenges with attention and executive functioning. Our therapists use evidence-based, child-centered approaches and partner with families to build independence and support each child's growth in a fun, nurturing environment.
Speech-Language Pathology
Communicating clearly and eating safely are foundational skills that some children need extra support to develop. Our speech-language pathologists conduct thorough evaluations of speech, language, communication, and feeding abilities to identify exactly where a child could benefit from support. We take an evidence-based, child-centered approach, and families leave each evaluation with a clear picture of their child's needs and a concrete plan for what comes next.
Behavior Analysis
Our functional behavior assessments help identify what's driving a child's behaviors so families and caregivers can respond in ways that actually work. We take a systematic approach to understanding the function behind behaviors of concern, then translate those findings into evidence-based recommendations tailored to each child. Our team works closely with families to put these strategies into practice, helping children build positive skills in a supportive, nurturing environment.
Meet Our Staff
David Elkin
- Assistant Director Early Learning Evaluation Clinic
Melissa Balkin
- Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Linsey Alkire
- Occupational Therapist
Kelsey Walker
- Psychologist, Clinical Assistant Professor for Special Education
Coming in 2027!
OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi is looking to catch learning disabilities sooner and expand educational resources in north Mississippi through a new Early Learning and Evaluation Center.