United Way celebrates new early learning center expansion in Birmingham

United Way of Central Alabama’s EXCEL (Expanding Childcare and Early Learning) program celebrated the expansion of J. Alex Child Development Center today in Birmingham.  

The new center is located at 4235 Pinson Valley Parkway in the former Pioneer Baptist Church. 

A recipient of a Childcare Expansion Grant through EXCEL, this is J. Alex’s third location in Birmingham. The new facility will increase access to high-quality early education by serving up to 104 children in the East Pinson Valley community.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, Jan. 14, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the new space will be transformative for the community’s youth.

“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.”

United Way’s EXCEL is making a difference

Since its launch, United Way’s EXCEL has made measurable progress in addressing childcare shortages across Central Alabama.

The program accomplishments include:

• Funding the expansion of 35 Birmingham early learning programs 
• Providing nearly 2,000 more children access to high-quality early learning programs within their communities
• Invested $875,000 in helping early learning providers expand, improve and thrive, generating approximately 140 new jobs within early learning centers

“This day is proof that when organizations, leadership, educators and families come together with a shared purpose, meaningful change happens.”

Jennifer Davis, owner of the J. Alex Child Development Center

In addition to financial support, the EXCEL program 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

Program partners include: 

• Childcare Resources
• Small Magic
• Children’s Policy Council of Jefferson County
• Learning Little People
• Alabama Partnership for Children
• Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education

To learn more about this initiative, visit www.uwca.org/excel.

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