- State funded program
- N. A. E. Y. C. accredited
- Yearly enrollment beginning in March
- USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
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 NW-SCC 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.