Governor Kay Ivey Surprises Parents With Positive Announcement

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey recently announced the expansion of the Alabama First Class Pre-K program...

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Governor Kay Ivey recently surprised parents by announcing a massive expansion of Alabama's First Class Pre-K program. According to a press release by Governor Ivey, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) will add 69 classrooms in 30 counties this year, providing seats for more than 1,200 children.

“Ensuring our youngest learners have a strong start to their educational journeys is one of my top priorities for my second term. Alabama continues to set the nationwide standard for success with the Alabama First Class Pre-K program,” said Governor Ivey. “I am excited to see additional classrooms being awarded to areas of the state with low access and high rates of poverty. Providing all children, no matter their zip code, with a solid foundation in education is critical to the future success of our state.”

The National Institute for Early Education Research recently ranked Alabama's First Class Pre-K program as the nation’s highest quality state pre-kindergarten program for the 17th consecutive year, per a press release by the Governor.

“Through the leadership of Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature, Alabama’s state pre-k program continues to move toward the goal of serving 70% of Alabama’s population of 4-year-old children,” said Dr. Jan Hume, Acting Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. “Since the program’s creation in 2000, we continue to prioritize age appropriate, impactful early learning and development experiences for children and their families.”

Students who participate in Alabama's First Class Pre-K program are more likely to be successful throughout their school careers, according to research published by the Governor's office. It's also worth mentioning that Governor Ivey signed the 2024 Education Trust Fund budget, which includes almost $12 million in extra funds for the Office of School Readiness that administers First Class Pre-K.

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