Alabama’s prekindergarten program will add 69 new classrooms in 30 counties, according to a news release from Gov. Kay Ivey’s office Tuesday. The expansion will add seats for more than 1,200 students.
“Ensuring our youngest learners have a strong start to their educational journeys is one of my top priorities for my second term,” Ivey said in the release. “Alabama continues to set the nationwide standard for success with the Alabama First Class Pre-K program.
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“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 governor said.
The release said the expansion is part of an initiative to help turnaround schools in high-needs areas. The expansion will also decrease wait times for the First Class Pre-K program. The expansion was described as a “first round” in the release.