The University of Alabama’s College of Education fully launched the UA Early Learning Initiative at Gadsden in early fall 2021 at the University’s Gadsden Center. The ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday, October 29th.
The UA Early Learning Initiative at Gadsden serves as a model early childhood education program. The program will provide area children and families with high-quality, inclusive learning experiences.
The initiative has two pre-kindergarten classrooms funded in part through grants from the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education. The initial classrooms will serve 36 children from Etowah County and surrounding counties at no or minimal cost to families.
The initiative will be led Dr. Cailin Kerch, clinical assistant professor of elementary and early childhood education; Dr. Alison Hooper, assistant professor of early childhood education; and Felicia Simpson, director of the Office of Expanded Learning and Community Supports.
The initiative is a collaboration among UA’s College of Education and College for Continuing Studies, the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education and the City of Gadsden.