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.

The Importance of Early Childhood Education

Alabama's nationally recognized First Class Pre-K is preparing for another exciting school year!  Online pre-registration applications for the 2022-2023 school year may be submitted beginning January 15, 2021.  See the flyer and additional attachments regarding WES Pre-K registration.  For questions or assistance, please contact WES Office at (256) 331-2122 during regular school hours.

• First Class Pre-K programs are accepting online pre-registration applications for the 2022-2023 school year beginning January 15th. (If you need assistance with accessing the online application, contact the local school/program.)

• Enrollment is open to all children four years of age on or before 9/1/22* who are residents of Alabama. (Children who are eligible for kindergarten are not eligible for pre-k.)

• Enrollees must provide a copy of the child’s birth certificate. (It may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to the local school/program.)

• Enrollees must provide proof of residence – either a current utility bill or copy of a lease or mortgage. (It may be uploaded into the online pre-registration site or submitted directly to the local school/program.)

• Public school system pre-k programs may have zoning requirements that determine eligibility for attending a program at a particular school. (Contact the school for attendance zone information.)

• There is no registration fee for First Class Pre-K programs.

• Upon enrollment, a child’s immunization record must be provided to the school or program.

• No child will be denied participation on basis of income, sex, race, color, national origin, or disability.

Pre-Registration Application