MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) announced Wednesday that Alabama’s First-Class Pre-K program has once again received top marks in the latest State of Preschool Yearbook released by the National Institute for Early Education Research.
The recognition marks an unprecedented milestone: 20 consecutive years in which Alabama’s program has met all 10 of NIEER’s research-based quality benchmarks. According to state leaders, Alabama remains the only state in the nation to achieve this distinction for two straight decades.
“This 20-year milestone is more than a recognition. It is a legacy,” Ivey said. “Throughout my time in office, I have made it a priority to invest in education at every level, and I am especially proud of Alabama’s leadership in early childhood. For two decades, our state has set the standard for high-quality pre-k, and that success reflects the dedication of our educators, families and leaders who believe in giving every child a strong start.”
The State of Preschool Yearbook evaluates state-funded preschool programs nationwide, measuring enrollment, funding and adherence to quality standards. Alabama continues to rank among a small group of states that meet all 10 benchmarks, reflecting a consistent emphasis on program quality.
ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks said the achievement represents years of coordinated effort across the state.
“This recognition is a reflection of 20 years of commitment and collaboration from so many across Alabama. From educators in the classroom to leaders at the Capitol, we’ve stayed focused on what matters most — ensuring every child has a strong foundation,” Brooks said. “I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about where we’re headed.”
State officials highlighted the program’s expansion over the past decade, growing from fewer than 8,000 children served during the 2014–15 school year to more than 24,000 children today. The program now operates in more than 1,500 classrooms across all 67 counties.
Despite that growth, Alabama has maintained its quality benchmarks — an outcome that education leaders say is uncommon among states with rapidly expanding programs.
Research cited by state officials indicates that students who participate in First-Class Pre-K show stronger academic and developmental outcomes throughout their school years, underscoring the long-term benefits of early childhood education.
Registration for Alabama’s First-Class Pre-K program for the 2026–27 school year is now open.
