Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education

News

Ivey announces 35 new Pre-K-3rd grade classrooms for 2026 school year

Governor Kay Ivey announced 35 new classrooms expanding Alabama’s P-3 early learning model, growing statewide efforts to improve literacy and early education outcomes.

Mary Claire Wooten

March 25, 2026

Governor signs screen time limits for early childhood education programs into law

Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday approved a measure to balance digital exposure with hands-on learning for children in licensed child care and prekindergarten facilities.

March 5, 2026

Alabama Senate passes bill to limit screen time in early childhood education

Lawmakers unanimously approved legislation Thursday banning screen time for children under age 2 in publicly funded early-learning centers.

Alex Jobin

February 27, 2026

Group of kindergarten kids sitting closely on a floor together with teacher, providing group work. Children learning to cooperate while solving tasks.

Alabama gets $3.8 million grant to boost early childhood education

The competitive federal funding will strengthen and align the state's early childhood education system, focusing on rural regions and underserved communities.

January 22, 2026

Ivey celebrates early literacy milestone in collaboration with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

The milestone comes as a result of Ivey's partnership with the Imagination Library, which she first announced during her 2023 inaugural address.

Alex Jobin

December 2, 2025

April 21, 2023

Alabama’s first apprenticeship for early childhood educators established

This fall, two apprentices at the Coleman Center for Early Learning will serve as a pilot group.

October 28, 2021

Governor announces 34 new early learning classrooms

With the addition of 34 new classrooms, more than 3,600 students will be participating in the Pre-K through 3rd-grade program.

March 24, 2021