Governor Kay Ivey has been actively engaging with schools across Alabama since August to discuss her education priorities.
On Thursday, Ivey wrapped up her back-to-school tour by paying a visit to Fort Payne Pre-K Center.
Alabama’s pre-K programs have an enrollment of over 24,000 four-year-olds.
According to Gov. Ivey, the implementation of this program has had a significant impact on young children, preparing them for kindergarten and the early grades.
Ivey emphasized the importance of parents prioritizing early education, highlighting how programs like pre-K play a crucial role in preparing students for their future endeavors.
“In just two months, it has had a tremendous impact,” expressed Jackie Jennings, Principal of Fort Payne Pre-K.
As students prepare to graduate from pre-K, they will have acquired valuable skills such as spelling their names, reciting the alphabet, and recognizing numbers and shapes. Principal Jackie Jennings of Fort Payne Pre-K highlights that in the last couple of months, her students have also been actively developing crucial social and behavioral skills.
“They have become accustomed to the routine,” Jennings remarked. “They have developed a stronger sense of collaboration amongst themselves. They can readily identify their teachers and their fellow playmates.”
The Pre-K curriculum focuses on nurturing cognitive and fine motor skills, as well as fostering creativity and emotional growth.
“We are actively encouraging individuals to participate in Pre-K,” stated Ivey.
The governor included a request for funds in the 2024 station education budget to assist parents in covering pre-K tuition expenses.
