MONTGOMERY, AL — Governor Kay Ivey announced Wednesday that Alabama will add 64 new First Class Pre-K classrooms for the 2026-27 school year, expanding access to the state’s nationally recognized early childhood education program for families across Alabama.
The expansion, supported by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE), is designed to help meet growing demand for high-quality pre-kindergarten opportunities and continue the state’s investment in preparing children for kindergarten.
“Providing Alabama’s children with a strong start remains one of our state’s most important investments,” Ivey said. “These new First Class Pre-K classrooms will help more children enter kindergarten ready to learn and succeed, while strengthening the foundation for Alabama’s future.”
ADECE Secretary Ami Brooks said Alabama’s long-standing commitment to quality has helped the program achieve national recognition.
“Alabama didn’t become the nation’s highest-quality state-funded pre-k program for 20 consecutive years by accident,” Brooks said. “This milestone reflects decades of commitment from educators, communities and state leaders who have never wavered in their belief that our youngest learners deserve the very best start. Every new classroom we add is an investment in a child’s future and a continuation of Alabama’s legacy as a national leader in early childhood education.”
Earlier this year, Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program was recognized by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) as the nation’s highest-quality state-funded pre-kindergarten program for the 20th consecutive year. State officials said Alabama is the only state to earn the distinction for two decades in a row.
Research cited by the state indicates that children who participate in high-quality pre-kindergarten programs are better prepared to enter school and experience long-term academic and developmental benefits.
The newly funded classrooms will begin serving students during the 2026-27 school year and are located in communities across Alabama.
State officials said the expansion is part of Alabama’s ongoing effort to ensure families have access to high-quality early learning opportunities regardless of where they live.
Additional information about Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program is available through the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.
