April 22, 2009

First Class Pre-K Program Again Rated Nation’s Best

MONTGOMERY - Alabama’s First Class Pre-Kindergarten program is once again rated the nation’s best for overall quality. For the third consecutive year, the National Institute for Early Education Research rated Alabama and North Carolina as tied for the top spot when it comes to meeting all quality standards in pre-k.

“With First Class, Alabama is home to America’s best pre-k program. That’s a great accomplishment and something all of us can take great pride in,” said Governor Riley. “We must work to maintain our high quality standards because our children deserve the very best.”

Dr. Marquita Davis, Commissioner of the Department of Children’s Affairs and a member of the Governor’s Cabinet, said continued funding for First Class is critical to maintaining the program’s high quality.

“Only two states in the nation meet all 10 of the institute’s standards for high quality pre-k, and Alabama is one of them,” said Dr. Davis. “First Class Pre-K helps provide children with the foundation they need to be successful in school and life, and we must continue to fund this successful program.”

Governor Riley has proposed an education budget for fiscal year 2010 that includes $20 million for First Class, a funding increase of $3 million.

The report from the National Institute for Early Education Research can be found online at http://nieer.org/yearbook.