MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced the National Institute for Early Education Research had ranked Alabama’s First Class Pre-K as the nation’s highest quality state pre-kindergarten program for the 13th consecutive year, according to a press release.

“For a child to reach their fullest potential later in life, they must first build a strong foundation. I’m proud that Alabama First Class Pre-K is once again proving to be successful in providing that solid ground for our youngest learners,” Ivey said. “From our state’s historic investment in this program to Secretary Jeana Ross’s unmatched leadership, Alabama is setting the tone for early childhood education around the country. Other states know Alabama’s students are getting off to a very strong start, and if they follow Alabama’s lead, then they, too, can do the same for their students.”

In 2018, Alabama First Class Pre-K received its largest-ever single year funding increase, which expanded access to 32% of four-year-olds in the state while continuing to meet all 10 quality standards benchmarks. Alabama requires all First Class Pre-K lead teachers to have a bachelor’s degree, at a minimum, and provides salary parity with K-3 teachers.