As a newcomer to both the state and the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, I have been blown away in my first month by the widespread and steadfast support that pre-k enjoys here in the “Heart of Dixie.” We are truly lucky to have a deep reservoir of leaders inside and outside of government who are willing to tackle the hard work and collaboration needed to expand pre-k to all of Alabama’s children.
The wide range of pre-k supporters in Alabama mirrors the diversity of our state. Business executives, pediatricians, children’s advocates, foundations, parents, educators, policy makers, and even military leaders are lining up to support high-quality, voluntary pre-k.
Pre-k momentum was felt loudly and clearly this month when Governor Bentley called out First Class Pre-K in his State of the State address as a “highly successful, proven” program worth preserving in his FY 13 budget. Also this month, the Birmingham News published an editorial calling for “fully funding the nation’s best prekindergarten program” as part of a “comprehensive school reform effort” in Alabama. The Dothan Eagle also wrote an article highlighting the efforts of new leadership in the state’s Office of School Readiness to maximize the efficiency of pre-k.
If you want more information on the movement for high-quality pre-k in Alabama, please visit our website.
Thank you for the warm welcome. Together, we will transform education from a K-12 to a Pre-K-12 system that meets the needs of Alabama’s families and spurs economic growth.
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