Helping More Children Get Ready for School
United Way of Central Alabama works with early learning providers and community partners to expand access to high-quality childcare — giving more children a strong start and helping working families thrive.
90% of a child’s brain development happens before age 5.
We know that early learning is critical, but in Central Alabama, childcare can cost as much as college tuition.
On average across the six counties we serve, there are fewer than seven licensed childcare centers for every 1,000 young children.
Expanding Access through EXCEL
Through EXCEL, UWCA’s grant program for “Expanding Childcare and Early Learning,” United Way has helped create more than 2,000 additional childcare slots across Central Alabama.
See the Work in Action
Expanding Early Learning Across Central Alabama
Watch the full story to learn how United Way and its partners are creating more places for children to learn, strengthening local childcare providers and supporting working families.
Our Impact
Children ages 5 and younger received early education or developmental services in 2025
Children were served by Success By 6 in 2025
Children were served by Help Me Grow in 2025
Looking for childcare or need support for your child?
Explore the resources below to find childcare, learn about programs that prepare children for school or connect with additional support for your family.
Our Solutions
Affordable Options for Families
High costs shouldn’t keep children from receiving quality care. We work to make licensed programs more affordable and accessible.
Programs that Prepare Children for School
We support programs that build early literacy, social skills and a foundation for lifelong learning.
Accessible Care Close to Home
Families need care where they live and work. We expand access across Central Alabama so families can find support nearby.
Support for Working Families
Reliable childcare means peace of mind. We help parents go to work knowing their children are safe and thriving.
Early Learning in Action: Latest News
J. Mason Davis Leadership Society Helps More Children Walk Into Kindergarten Ready to Learn
Every child deserves the chance to walk into kindergarten ready to learn, and early literacy helps make that possible.
EXCEL Helps Expand Childcare for More Than 100 Children in Warrior
Availability of high-quality, affordable childcare is a widespread issue in Central Alabama. The best options are typically operating at capacity, so new parents are left searching for answers.
EXCEL Recognized for Expanding Access to Early Learning, UWCA Recognized Among Leaders at the BBJ Nonprofit Awards
United Way of Central Alabama’s EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning) grant program was honored as “Most Impactful Project.” EXCEL addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Central Alabama: access to affordable, high-quality childcare and early learning programs.
Meet the Network Helping Young Children and Families Thrive
United Way connects and supports early learning providers, family-resource organizations and community partners across Central Alabama. Explore the organizations working together to help children get a strong start.
A.G. Gaston Boys & Girls Club
helps at-risk youth through educational, recreational and leadership activities.
Arc of Central Alabama
serves adults, infants and toddlers with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Arc of Shelby County
services individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities through intervention, advocacy, supported employment and family support.
Arc of Walker County
provides services for persons with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities and provides support to family and friends.
Better Basics
works to combat educational disparities across Central Alabama with reading and math literacy programs and book distribution projects.
Bold Goals
links local college and university student tutors with small groups of Birmingham City Schools students for intensive tutoring.
Expanding Childcare and Early Learning (EXCEL)
provides technical assistance, curriculum support, business development training, coaching in grant writing and funds for facility improvements.
Childcare Resources
serves as a central resource for families, childcare providers, and those seeking financial assistance.
Easterseals of the Birmingham Area
provides a variety of services to help individuals with disabilities and special needs in the five-county area.
Easterseals of West Central Alabama
provides workforce development opportunities for students in special education programs and adults with disabilities residing in Chilton County.
Glenwood
provides services for children, adolescents, adults and families who are affected by autism or a mental health disorder.
Help Me Grow
connects families to health and developmental resources so children (from birth to age eight) can start school healthy and ready to succeed.
Levite Jewish Community Center
provides early childhood education programs, camping services, senior adult meals, activities and wellness programs.
Pathways
provides shelter, food, clothing and supportive services to homeless women and children.
Success By 6
facilitates “best practice” quality early learning standards in pre-K classrooms throughout Central Alabama.
United Ability
empowers individuals with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives through innovative educational, vocational and therapeutic services.
YMCA of Greater Birmingham
offers day care, summer day camps, after-school care, literacy programs and youth, adult and senior activities.
YWCA of Central Alabama
offers childcare for homeless children, housing and childcare for low-income families, tutoring and comprehensive domestic violence services.
Help Open More Doors for Central Alabama’s Children
Join United Way in expanding access to high-quality early learning and helping more children enter school ready to thrive.
