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. But more than 100 additional children in Warrior can now be accommodated, thanks to support from EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning), a grant program of United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA).

The expansion at Warrior Early Learning Center is helping more families find reliable care close to home.

Across our six counties, childcare decisions are often made according to availability rather than choice. Options are limited and waitlists are long, so finding the right fit can take time.

That demand was clear when Warrior Early Learning Center opened in January 2025. A total of 50 children enrolled immediately, and 70 more families quickly joined the waitlist.

For owner Sarah Maze, it confirmed what she had already experienced herself. As a foster parent, she saw how limited childcare options made it difficult to keep siblings together. That experience shaped her vision for the center — a place where families would not have to make those tradeoffs.

“It was a real struggle in the beginning,” Maze said. “We had the space; we just didn’t have the resources to make it all happen.”

Expanding Capacity Through EXCEL

That gap between available space and limited resources is one many childcare providers face. EXCEL is designed to help close it.

The program supports childcare providers across Central Alabama with the tools they need to grow and sustain their programs. Through a combination of funding, business coaching and technical assistance, EXCEL helps centers expand capacity, strengthen operations and improve the quality of early learning.

With support from the grant, Warrior Early Learning Center grew from eight classrooms to 13 in a matter of months. Those five additional rooms increased its licensed capacity from 110 to 210 children.

“We could not have done it without that grant,” Maze said. “I just had no other funds left to make it happen.”

As the center grew, so did its team. Warrior Early Learning Center went from 32 employees to 45 full-time staff, along with several part-time team members. That growth supports children in the classroom while also strengthening the community by creating jobs and helping parents remain in the workforce.

Creating Space for Every Child to Thrive

Today, the center serves families from nearby communities and intentionally meets children where they are, including those with different diagnoses and developmental needs who may not have thrived in other settings.

“I want to have a safe place for everyone,” Maze said. “We’re going to continue to try to be as accommodating as possible.”

As demand for childcare continues to grow, EXCEL is working to support more providers. Another round of EXCEL grants is now open for eligible childcare centers in Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair and Walker counties that are looking to expand enrollment and increase access to high-quality early learning.