FLORENCE – Kilby Laboratory School on the University of North Alabama campus has been
awarded a $125,000 grant that will allow the Kilby Early Childhood and Development Center to offer a second pre-Kindergarten class for four-year-olds beginning next month.

“At UNA, we whole-heartedly support Gov. Kay Ivey’s vision to bring high-quality pre-K programs to all Alabama children,” said Dr. Katie Kinney, dean of the College of Education and Human Sciences and interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Expanding access to pre-K at Kilby Laboratory School means preparing more Shoals children for a positive academic and personal pathway, which will have a lasting impact on their families and the broader community.”

The grant, which Kilby will receive in four installments throughout the course of the 2023-2024 academic year, will be used to cover the expenses of teacher salaries and start-up items needed to launch a pre-K classroom.

“It is a great honor to receive funding for a second pre-K class,” said Dr. Eric Kirkman, Kilby Laboratory School director. “It allows us to continue the work of preparing and recruiting high-quality teachers by providing more opportunities for clinicals and observation experiences for our preservice education students at UNA.

Having more seats also means more opportunities to set the trajectory for success with more young children in our community and the State of Alabama.”

With the addition of the pre-K classroom, the Kilby Child Development Center is now able to serve up to 36 four-year-old students.