Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) is dedicated to providing high-quality care and education to young children in Alabama with the mission to "innovate, support, and deliver cohesive, equitable systems of high-quality care and education so that all Alabama children and families thrive and learn." The ADECE focuses on serving children from birth to age 8 through various programs and services. Its work is crucial for fostering early development and school readiness for Alabama's children.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Promote organizational health by fostering a collaborative and respectful culture, developing leaders, and empowering staff.

Engage families to support their children's early care and education.

Deliver high-quality early learning programs that are accessible and equitable to promote school readiness and lifelong success.

Support the development of a diverse, professionalized, and well-trained workforce to meet the demand for high-quality early care and education.

Specialization Areas

Providing high-quality early care and education programs for children from birth to age 8.

Offering resources and support for families and educators.

Implementing strategies to improve school readiness and lifelong success for children in Alabama.

Target Markets

Children from birth to age 8 in Alabama.

Families seeking high-quality early care and education for their children.

Early childhood educators and service providers.

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

In May 2023, Alabama lawmakers approved a $42 million increase in state funding for early care and education. This included:

$8 million to expand Alabama First Class Pre-K.

$4 million in one-time funding for First Class Pre-K focused on startup funding in high-needs areas.

$30 million for the Alabama Quality Stars Quality Rating and Improvement System for Child Care.

During the 2022-2023 school year, state spending totaled $173,745,222, which equaled $7,429 per child.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Alabama First Class Pre-K: A state-funded pre-K program designed to prepare children for kindergarten.

Alabama Pre-K-3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3): A program that focuses on creating a strong foundation for early learners from pre-k through the 3rd grade.

First Teacher Home Visiting: A service that provides support and education to children and families in their homes.

Children's Policy Councils: A program designed to facilitate collaboration among children and family service providers to address community needs.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library: A book gifting program that mails free, high-quality books to children from birth to age five.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Comprehensive digital resources to support learning in any environment.

A learning management system for professional development.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Secretary: Ami Brooks

Director, Policy, Operations, and Community Initiatives: Tammy Walker

Director, Communications and Governmental Relations Division: Amanda Collier Sanford

Director, Birth - 5 Partnerships: Dianna Tullier

Chief Financial Officer: Scott Burbank

Director, Head Start Collaboration Office: Trellis Calloway

Director, Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Partnership: Dallas Rabig

Office of School Readiness: Jeannie Allen

Director, Pre-K – 3rd Grade Partnership: Ami Brooks

Director, Professional Development and Quality Support: Tara Skiles

Director, Workforce Development: Milanda Dean

Recent Leadership Changes

In June 2025, Governor Ivey appointed Ami Brooks to serve as Secretary of the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.

Jan Hume, who previously served as Acting Secretary, is now a Professor of Practice in Public Administration at Auburn University.

7. Market Analysis

Market Overview

Approximately 90% of a child's brain develops from birth to age five, highlighting the importance of early childhood education.

The ADECE aims to improve school readiness and support healthy development for all children in Alabama.

8. Strategic Partnerships

The ADECE collaborates with the Alabama Children's Policy Council (CPC) system.

The ADECE partners with organizations like Teaching Strategies to provide resources and support for educators.

9. Operational Insights

The ADECE's operations are focused on expanding access to high-quality early childhood education programs across Alabama. The agency's efforts are geared towards improving school readiness and supporting healthy development for all children in the state.