A state supported pre-K program for children who are four years old before September 1 is available on the Shoals Campus. 

First Class Pre-K (Alabama’s Voluntary Pre-K Program)

Alabama’s nationally recognized First Class Pre-K is preparing for another exciting school year!

  • First Class Pre-K programs are accepting online pre-registration applications for the 2023-2024 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 9/1/23* 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.

2023-2024 Pre-Registration Dates (January 15 – March 14)

  • Forms – Go online to https://prek.alaceed.alabama.gov.  Complete the Pre-Registration Form and submit birth certificate and proof of residence. 
  • More Information – visit www.children.alabama.gov and see Pre-Registration Info under First Class Pre-K.
  • Acceptance to the Program – Acceptance is strictly through random drawing to be held on March 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the NWSCC Child Development Center (Building 107) on the Shoals campus.  Parent/Guardian does not have to be present at drawing.  Notices will be emailed in mid April.

*An opinion of the Attorney General states in effect that under the common law one’s age is computed by including the day of birth so that a given age is attained the day before the birthday anniversary – Ala. Code 16-28-4(1975) interpretation based on Report of Attorney General of Alabama October-December 1963, Volume 113, page 20.