United Way of Central Alabama supports early childhood development and education, because
all children deserve the tools for success
Studies show that 90% of brain development occurs during a child’s first five years of life. On average across our six counties, however, we have fewer than five childcare centers for every 1,000 children within that age group.
We work to address this disparity and improve outcomes for children by increasing the capacity of childcare centers, working directly with business owners and professionals to improve the quality of childcare, teaching parenting classes, providing stable housing for families experiencing homelessness and much more.
Early Childhood Development & Education News Spotlight:
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Opening Soon: Grant Applications Aimed at Expanding Early Learning Centers
Across Central Alabama, there are fewer than five childcare centers for every 1,000 children age 5 and under. United Way of Central Alabama’s (UWCA) Bold Goals Coalition is working to change that.
Our Early Childhood Development & Education Impact
8,834
children ages 5 and younger received early education or development services in 2023
7,123
Children ages 0 to 5 participated in early education and care programs in 2023
1,230
Children were served through Success By 6 in 2023
481
Children were served through Help Me Grow in 2023
Early Childhood Development & Education Solutions
After-school Programs
Before and after-school programs providing food, childcare, relationship skills, managing emotions, as well as math and reading enrichment
Childcare
High-quality childcare, financial aid for childcare costs, technical assistance, training and funding for early- learning classrooms and materials
Counseling Services
Therapy services for children with disabilities, learning disorders and related conditions and mental health counseling for children and families
Educational Support
Educational support from certified teachers through traditional tutoring, as well as targeted math and reading interventions
Enrichment Activities
Healthy, fun activities, including sports, socialization and STEAM programming, through multiple venues outside the classroom
Meals
Ensuring youth can access nutritious food through summer day camp programs, before and after-school programs and grocery distributions to families
Parenting Education
Parenting classes offering training, technical assistance and life skills education and a child development hotline to answer families’ questions
Special Education
Accessible, high-quality childcare, early learning and therapy opportunities for children with disabilities and education for school employees
Summer Camps
Full-day and sleepaway summer camps with healthy meals, fun activities, including outdoor play, STEAM programming and other enrichment
More News about Early Childhood Development & Education
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United Way Grants Expand and Accelerate High-Quality Childcare in Central Alabama
Mayor Jared “Bubba” Cagle is proud to see new life breathed into the former Parrish High School in his town. The school was closed at the end of the 2013-14
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United Way Grants to Nine More Childcare Centers Expand and Improve Early Learning in Central Alabama
Let there be light. Inside what used to be three dimly lit storage rooms at the former North Highland School in Jasper, two girls sit reading books in a totally transformed space designed for early learning. It’s now the largest classroom in the building with room for up to 18 children.
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Young Philanthropists Assemble Backpacks Full of School Supplies for Students
UWCA’s Young Philanthropists Society made a significant impact by assembling backpacks with essential school supplies for students in need.
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Stopping the Cycle of Child Abuse Starts with Coming Forward
It’s not always easy to hold the attention of kids in a classroom. But child advocacy workers from Blount County Children’s Center (BCCC) are committed to getting their message across.
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Young Philanthropists Learn How United Way Is Creating Villages of Vital Services
Lucinda Armstrong and Emily Herring shed light on the critical role of schools in supporting youth mental health during a recent panel for United Way’s Young Philanthropists Society.
Early Childhood Development & Education Partners & Programs
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.
Early Learning Acceleration Institute
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 disailities 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.