AL First Class Pre-K
AL First Class Pre-K
First Class: Alabama's Voluntary Pre-K is part of the Office of School Readiness within our department. First Class Pre-K provides effective, high-quality early childhood experiences that prepare Alabama's children for school success and lifelong learning.
Office of School Readiness defines school readiness as a condition whereby children enter school with:
- an enthusiasm for learning,
- an ability to function in a social setting,
- age-appropriate communication and problem-solving skills,
- age-appropriate physical and emotional skills, and
- optimal health
Why High-Quality Pre-Kindergarten?
Numerous studies have shown that students who have participated in high-quality pre-kindergarten programs:
- are less likely to repeat a grade, require remedial education, or be placed in special education,
- score higher on achievement tests,
- are more likely to graduate from high-school and go on to college
- get higher paying salaries as adults, and
- are more likely to stay out of prison and off welfare
Click the link below to view the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education's presentation.