ELI is working broadly towards accomplishing:

1. Research: To conduct new research in early language and literacy in India; and to disseminate knowledge that is already available.
2. Teaching: To create a cadre of knowledgeable and well-prepared professionals in the area of early language and literacy.
3. Advocacy: To provide visibility and leadership to work in early language and literacy by engaging in national level dialogues with scholars, policy-makers and other professionals working in allied areas. ELI will also provide networking support for practitioners and scholars working in the domain through a variety of means, such as, a visible and dynamic web presence, offering short-term workshops and courses, collecting and disseminating relevant information, and so on.