Governor Ivey on Tuesday announced the addition of 35 new classrooms across Alabama as part of the state’s ongoing effort to strengthen early childhood education.

According to Ivey, the classrooms will be added through Alabama’s Pre-K through 3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3) initiative, a program designed to better align instruction from pre-kindergarten through third grade.

The expansion is part of the governor’s Strong Start, Strong Finish initiative, which focuses on improving student outcomes by strengthening education during the earliest years.

“Alabama continues to make meaningful investments in early childhood education because we know these early years matter,” said Ivey. “By expanding the P-3 approach in more schools, we are helping ensure students receive consistent, high-quality instruction that supports their learning from pre-k through third grade.”

State officials say the P-3 model connects First Class Pre-K programs with kindergarten through third grade, creating a more seamless learning experience during a critical period for literacy and foundational skill development.

The effort is led by the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education, with a focus on improving instructional practices, strengthening school leadership collaboration, and implementing research-based strategies.

“This expansion reflects Alabama’s continued commitment to supporting our youngest learners and the educators who serve them,” said Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education Secretary Ami Brooks. “When schools align instruction from pre-k through third grade, students benefit from a more consistent and supportive learning environment during some of the most important years of their educational journey.”

The 35 new classrooms are set to be implemented during the 2026–27 school year, expanding access to the P-3 initiative in additional schools statewide.

More information about the program is available through the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.