Looking for pre-K? There are new options around West Alabama

Alabama is expanding its First Class Pre-K program, meaning West Alabama parents have even more choices when it comes to getting their children into early education.

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education announced the move Tuesday. In all, 30 counties are expanding pre-K access with 69 available classrooms, meaning more than 1,200 children can participate.

These new classes are part of education initiatives that include addressing high-needs areas and reducing wait lists for pre-K programs

“Ensuring our youngest learners have a strong start to their educational journeys is one of my top priorities for my second term,” Ivey said in a statement. “Alabama continues to set the nationwide standard for success with the Alabama First Class Pre-K program. I am excited to see additional classrooms being awarded to areas of the state with low access and high rates of poverty.”

Last month, the National Institute for Early Education Research ranked Alabama First Class Pre-K as the nation’s highest quality state pre-kindergarten program for the 17th consecutive year.

New First Class Pre-K Classrooms around West Alabama include:

• Fayette County
  • Berry Elementary Pre-K
  • Fayette Elementary Pre-K
  • Tiny Tots Child Development Center Pre-K
• Tuscaloosa County
  • Hugabug Childcare Center Pre-K
  • Northside Middle Pre-K
  • Stepping Stones Academy Pre-K

If you’re interested in finding a First Class Pre-K program in your area, you can search right here. There are dozens already available around West Alabama.