Historically Black Alabama State University has signed an agreement with the Montgomery Community Action Head Start program which will allow some of the agency’s pre-K children to attend the university’s Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center. The new partnership aims to expand quality preschool opportunities in Montgomery County and the state of Alabama.
“This agreement is one of the first of its kind in the nation,” said Quinton T. Ross, president of Alabama State University. “This is truly a historic moment. When you think about our theme of CommUniversity, this truly embodies that. That’s what this is all about, our most precious resource, our children.”
Head Start is a comprehensive child development program funded by the federal government. The program prepares participating children for kindergarten and further educational success, and also promotes self-sufficiency in children and their parents. As part of this new partnership, early childhood education students at Alabama State will have the opportunity to work with Head Start families.
“Educating our young kids is an ASU commitment. The collaborative partnership signed today will help do that,” said President Ross at the agreement signing ceremony. “Working with children at a very early age gives them a head start on life, an opportunity to succeed. So we are excited to be a part of that. We will continue to work to grow the partnership, to ensure it’s the model for the state and the nation.”
