The Learning Garden, a one-of-a-kind childcare center that combines play, exploration and healthy living in its approach to early education, is now open in Bessemer. A ribbon cutting, which drew enthusiastic support from the community, celebrated the occasion last week.
In partnership with the Women’s Foundation of Alabama, Childcare Resources, the City of Bessemer, the Bessemer Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Central Alabama, The Learning Garden will create 30 new childcare spots. This is a significant milestone in terms of both advancing early childhood education and supporting small business growth in the region. “We are very excited to see what will bloom from the seeds that you are sowing here in Bessemer,” said Zhaundra Jones of the Women’s Foundation of Alabama.
Sowing Seeds for the Future
The Learning Garden was founded by Courtnye Carr, a graduate of the Women’s Foundation’s Advancing Alabama Child Care Accelerator. Carr is one of 24 childcare business owners who completed eight weeks of specialized training through the accelerator, which along with United Way’s EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning) program, provides training, coaching and funding to expand access to quality childcare across Central Alabama.
“This is how we produce productive members of our society – teaching children the value of hard work,” said Carr. “Through outdoor learning, gardening and farming, [we give our children] the exposure and access that they need.”
More Ways to Help Children EXCEL
In response to the growing demand for high-quality, affordable childcare, United Way is opening a new EXCEL grant opportunity for eligible childcare providers. EXCEL grants are potentially available to existing DHR-licensed childcare operators who are interested in increasing the number of children enrolled in high-quality early-learning programs throughout Central Alabama. Interested providers can apply here. Funding decisions will be finalized in early 2026.
As Bessemer Mayor Kenneth Gulley said at the ribbon cutting, “Our most precious resource is our children. It’s so important that we give these children the foundation that they need to reach their potential in life.”
For more on United Way’s work in Early Childhood Development and Education, click here.