Pre-K
About Pre-K
About First Class Pre-K
Housed within the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education, the Office of School Readiness (OSR) administers Alabama’s diverse delivery, voluntary, high-quality Pre-K program. Classrooms are funded through a grant process in which sites must meet specific quality assurances and abide by rigorous operating guidelines. Alabama’s First Class Pre-K program has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) for 16 consecutive years, which includes four years of highest ratings based on more stringent measures of practice.
Using a multi-pronged approach, the Office of School Readiness has implemented evidence-based strategies and methods grounded in research literature to assure that all Alabama 4-year-olds have access to excellent early learning classrooms in their communities. According to the experts, an investment in early preschool education can have positive long term impacts, including improvements in math and reading scores, and reductions in retention in grade and special education placements. The Alabama First Class Pre-K program has expanded substantially from serving just over 5,000 Alabama 4-year-olds in 2013 to more than 22,000 in 2021, yet incremental growth and strong infrastructure have allowed for quality to be maintained and monitored. The Alabama First Class Pre-K program supports quality, accountability, and student outcomes that extend well beyond kindergarten entry.
Numerous research studies have shown that students who 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.
The 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; and
- Optimal health
Pre-Registration Instructions
Welcome to Alabama First Class Pre-K Pre-Registration
https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov/
Pre-Registration typically begins around January 15th. Those who complete the pre-registration process and meet zoning requirements by March 1st will be entered into the random selection drawing.
You may continue to register your child after March 1st, but you will not be included in the drawing. Those registered after March 1st will be entered on the waitlist in the order that they registered, as long as they meet school zoning requirements. Instructions to complete registration are below.
Create an account
Create only one account (duplicate accounts may delay pre-registration)
Use a valid email address
Properly capitalize and spell names and other information
Multiple children in the same household may be entered on the same form
Enter child and family information
Child must be 4 years old on September 1st of the school year
Child must be a resident of Alabama
Select First Class Pre-K Site(s)
Child may be pre-registered for multiple locations on the same form
For Oxford City Schools, please only register for the elementary school where your child will attend Kindergarten.
Submit Pre-Registration
Places child in random selection process at each site selected
Receive email confirmation of pre-registration
Receive Email Notification of Results of Random Selection Drawings
By April 18th, email notification sent with results of random selection drawings for each site selected
Child selected for an available seat will be offered the position; parent must accept or decline
Child not selected for an available seat will be placed on the site's waiting list
If you need help with the pre-registration process, please contact the program or school where you are applying for assistance with completing the pre-registration form.
