More Pre-K Options Coming To Walker And Tuscaloosa Counties

Pre-K, or pre-kindergarten, is a major foundational tool for the early stages of a child's education. It is crucial because it builds academic and social skills children need to suceed their entire lives. It teaches kids how to follow structured routines, share with peers, and manage their emotions. High-quality pre-k education also boosts kindergarten readiness, students to better long-term academic success.

Nowhere is building an early foundation for learning more important than here in Alabama. While basic skills, like reading, are improving, turning things around academically is not a short-term process.

Get our free mobile app

A February WalletHub survey ranked the state 43rd out of 50 for overall educational performance. The poor rankings have motivated the state to provide a stronger start to a child's education.

Gov. Ivey, a former teacher, continuously champions early childhood education as one of the most vital investments the state can make. calling it a foundation for a child's life.

With proding from Ivey, the Alabama Legislature has invested in the First Class Pre-K program that offers 4-year-olds access to high-quality pre-Kindergarten programs in their communities.

This coming school year the state will to conttinue to expand the pre-k program by adding 64 First Class Pre-K classrooms, expanding the nationally recognized program that currently serves 24,168 children in 1,521 classrooms statewide. The new classrooms could serve as many as 1,152 more children.

Six of the new pre-k classrooms are coming to West Alabama, four in Walker County and two in Tuscaloosa County, they are:

• Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa County Board of Education Faucett-Vestavia Elementary Pre-K 1.
• Tuscaloosa Tuscaloosa County School System Big Sandy Elementary Pre-K 2.
• Walker Jasper City Board of Education Jasper City Schools North Highlands Pre-K 1.
• Walker Jasper City Board of Education Jasper City Schools North Highlands Pre-K 2.
• Walker Jasper City Board of Education Jasper City Schools North Highlands Pre-K 3.
• Walker Jasper City Board of Education Jasper City Schools North Highlands Pre-K 4

The $100,00 in funding picks up the cost of the teacher's salary and other startup costs such a classroom furniture and acccessories.