The Early Childhood Laboratory Center provides childcare services for faculty, students, and the general community and serves a multi-purpose in the area of teacher education. It offers diversified laboratory experiences for undergraduate students in cognitive, psychomotor and the social development of young children. It facilitates the curriculum and research efforts of university students in the College of Education and Human Development. It bears the name of a noted educator and former faculty member, Dr. Lottie W. Thornton.

While providing an engaging educational setting for young children, the Lottie W. Thornton Early Childhood Center is a research and teaching laboratory for University faculty, staff, students, and the general public. Licensed by the Mississippi Department of Health, the Center operates a full-year, full day program with a primary focus on early literacy. The Center serves children from the age of three through the age of five years old. The Center operates under the auspice of the College of Education and Human Development.