Bentley Highlights Need for Expansion of Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program

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Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in small group instruction. Small group instruction is a time for students to learn about concept development.

Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in small group instruction. Small group instruction is a time for students to learn about concept development.

CLANTON – Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday visited Clanton Elementary School’s Pre-Kindergarten Program to highlight his support for expanding First Class, Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Program.

 

First Class is ranked number-one in the nation for quality by the National Institute for

Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in centers. Centers help children learn concepts through one-on-one and small group instruction.

Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in centers. Centers help children learn concepts through one-on-one and small group instruction.

Early Education Research.  However, only six percent of four-year-olds in Alabama are enrolled.  Governor Bentley is proposing additional funding in the fiscal year 2014 Education Trust Fund to expand access to the voluntary program.

 

“This is a wise investment that will change the lives of children across the state,” Governor Bentley said.  “A high-quality, voluntary pre-kindergarten program gives students a strong foundation.  It improves their chances for success in K-12 school.  We must give more families the option of enrolling their children in this successful voluntary program.”

 

 

Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in large group instruction. Large Group instruction is for all children actively participating with the teacher

Governor Robert Bentley observes students at Clanton Elementary School’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Class learning in large group instruction. Large Group instruction is for all children actively participating with the teacher

Currently, the Office of School Readiness is able to offer 217 First Class voluntary Pre-K classrooms.  In his Education Trust Fund Budget proposal on February 6, Governor Bentley included a $12.5 million expansion for voluntary Pre-K.  This proposal is expected to add at least 125 additional voluntary Pre-K classrooms in Alabama, serving approximately 2,200 additional students.  Governor Bentley would like to see additional expansion in subsequent years to give even more families the option of Pre-K enrollment.

 

Voluntary Pre-K programs are offered through public schools, private child care centers, Head Start programs, universities and community-based organizations.  Of

Rep. Jay Love

Rep. Jay Love

the 217 First Class classrooms in Alabama, 102 are located in a non-public school setting.

 

House Education Budget Chairman Jay Love was among those who toured Clanton Elementary School’s voluntary Pre-

K program with Governor Bentley Tuesday.

 

“We have seen positive results among those who have participated in voluntary Pre-K.  The continued investment in expanding Alabama’s voluntary Pre-K program will yield huge dividends for our children in the near future,” Representative Love said.

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