Gov. Ivey visits North Alabama pre-K center

FORT PAYNE, Ala. (WHNT) — Since August, Governor Kay Ivey has traveled to schools across the state, discussing her education priorities.

Ivey finished her back-to-school tour on Thursday with a visit to Fort Payne Pre-K Center.

More than 24,000 four-year-olds are enrolled in Alabama’s pre-K programs.

“It’s making a huge difference in these early learners to get them ready for kindergarten and grades 1, 2 and 3,” Gov. Ivey said.

Ivey said she encourages parents to prioritize early education, and programs like pre-K prepare students for the future.

“It’s making a huge impact just in two months,” Fort Payne Pre-K Principal Jackie Jennings said.

When students leave pre-K, they will be able to spell their names, recite the alphabet and identify numbers and shapes. Over the past two months, Fort Payne Pre-K Principal Jackie Jennings said her students have also been learning important social and behavioral skills.

“They know the routine,” Jennings said. “They are better at working with each other. They know their teacher’s names, and they know their playmates’ names.”

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Pre-K curriculum prioritizes developing cognitive and fine motor skills, while encouraging creativity and emotional development.

“We encourage people to get involved with Pre-K,” Ivey said.

In the 2024 station education budget, the governor requested funds to help parents cover pre-K tuition costs.

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