United Way of Central Alabama’s EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning) program recently marked a major milestone in advancing early childhood education and small business growth in Central Alabama. Along with the City of Birmingham, UWCA celebrated the expansion of J. Alex Child Development Center, a proud alumni site of UWCA’s Success By Six program and a previous recipient of a Childcare Expansion Grant through EXCEL.
With the help of UWCA funding totaling $25,000, J. Alex Child Development Center has opened a third location with a licensed capacity of 104 children, increasing access to high-quality early education for families in the East Pinson Valley community. Jennifer Davis, owner of J. Alex Child Development Center, reflected on the center’s growth.
“This day is proof that when organizations, leadership, educators and families come together with a shared purpose, meaningful change happens,” she said.
Since its launch, EXCEL has made measurable progress in addressing childcare shortages across Central Alabama, including:
- Funding the expansion of 35 early learning programs in the region.
- Giving nearly 2,000 more children access to high-quality early learning programs within their communities.
- Investing $875,000 in helping early learning providers expand, improve and thrive.
- Generating approximately 140 new jobs within early learning centers.
UWCA’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to early education while strengthening the regional workforce opens new doors for families across Central Alabama.
Mayor Randall Woodfin remarked on what this access means for families.
“I think for any parent in this room, what we want, expect and appreciate is that our children are in safe places where they can learn in environments where they are loved and nurtured,” said Woodfin.
Beyond financial support, EXCEL also offers childcare providers access to:
- Training in early learning best practices and classroom strategies.
- Business development coaching to ensure long-term sustainability.
- Technical assistance in accessing state-funded programs.
To learn more about UWCA’s work in supporting thriving childcare centers and high-quality early learning, visit www.uwca.org/excel.