PowerSchool: PowerSchool is the state’s registry for teacher and/or administrator’s required professional development hours, managed by the Alabama State Department of Education’s (ALSDE) Office of Professional Development and Professional Learning.

FocusFirst: FocusFirst is a Birmingham based non-profit initiative of Impact America that has provided over 357,000 free, high-tech vision screenings to preschool-aged children around Alabama since 2004. Approximately 10% of these children were found to have a vision problem and have since received free or low-cost comprehensive eye care through FocusFirst's partner organization, Sight Savers America. Last year, FocusFirst provided free vision screenings to 80% of all First Class Pre-K programs. If you are interested in scheduling a free vision screening for your preschool classroom(s), please call the FocusFirst office at (205) 934-0664 or send an email to focusfirstal@impactamerica.com.

IMPACT – PD: IMPACT-PD is a partnership between UAB and the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE). Dr. Kelly Hill is the PI, and Dr. James Ernest is Co-PI, both from the UAB School of Education in the department of Curriculum and Instruction. IMPACT-PD is a five year grant funded by the U.S. Department of Education, through a National Professional Development grant from the Office of English Language Acquisition.

Thee overarching purpose of IMPACT-PD is to provide educators with professional development for improving instruction for Dual Language Learners in preschool. IMPACT-PD has four goals: (1) Online Professional Development Modules to Improve Instruction for Pre-K English Learners; (2) In-field Summer EL PD Institute using the Alabama Reflective Coaching Model; (3) PD and outreach activities for parent, family, and community engagement; and (4) Enhance teacher preparedness to teach ELs though ESL degree seeking coursework.

The grant will provide opportunities for both in-service and pre-service teachers over the five years of implementation. A total of 208, in-service teachers from First-Class preschools throughout the state will be selected for the Online PD Modules. There will be twelve preschool teachers selected each summer for the In-field EL PD institute. A total of 22 will receive ongoing PD through the MaryAnn Manning Family Literacy Center to further their knowledge of engaging families. Finally, a total of 18 will be selected to complete coursework to earn an MA in ESL.

Who is eligible?
Online PD Modules:
OSR First-Class Lead teachers may apply. Applicants may have any degree level to be eligible.

MMFLC PD Symposia:
OSR First-Class Lead teachers may apply. Applicants may have any degree level to be eligible. Applicants need to be willing to drive to Birmingham for the PD (no mileage reimbursement).

Summer EL PD Institute:
OSR First-Class Lead teachers may apply. Applicants may have any degree level to be eligible. Applicants need to be willing to drive to Birmingham for the PD (no mileage reimbursement).

MA in ESL from UAB:
OSR First-Class Lead teachers may apply. Applicants need to have Class B teaching certification and a 4-year degree in teaching (BA or BS). Those who would like an additional Master’s Degree (ESL specific) may also apply, but preference will be given to teachers who do not currently hold an MA.

If you are interested in participating in one or more of the grant opportunities, please complete the application below by February 3rd, 2019.

For grant related inquiries, please contact:

Julie Paul, MA
Educational Program Specialist
IMPACT-PD Grant Coordinator
Mailing Address:
EB 119-C
1720 2nd Avenue South
Birmingham, Al 35294
Phone: 205-996-1060
jipaul7@uab.edu

Kelly Hill, PhD, NBCT
Assistant Professor
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Curriculum & Instruction, ESL
IMPACT-PD Grant PI
Co-Director, Maryann Manning Family Literacy Center
Phone: 205-975-1220
kltb@uab.edu

Vendors: Grantees may choose their preferred vendor for classroom materials, supplies, and/or equipment. The Office of School Readiness does not endorse any one vendor or train any persons outside of the Department of Early Childhood Education on room set-up. All contact with vendors is solely between the grantee and vendor(s). The below resources are provided simply as a guide to allow grantees to connect with multiple vendors and easily access information. Grantees are not required by the Department of Early Childhood Education to order from the following vendors.  Please refer to the First Class Pre-K Program & Classroom Guidelines. for a list of materials, supplies and equipment consistent with the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), an internationally recognized assessment of early learning environments. Each First Class Pre-K grantee should order supplies, materials and equipment in accordance with their required purchasing practices.