The Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) is a state agency with the primary responsibility of providing young children throughout the state high-quality care and education. The ADECE employs approximately 250 people and utilizes federal and state funds for the establishment, operation, and administration of its programs.

The ADECE serves children from birth to age 8 through a variety of programs. The Department is home to the nationally recognized Alabama First Class Pre-K program. First Class Pre-K has been awarded the highest quality rating by the National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER) each year since 2006. The Office of School Readiness is divided into eight geographical regions, with the central office located in Montgomery.

The Department operates many other programs that provide support and education to children and families, including the Alabama Pre-K-3rd Grade Integrated Approach to Early Learning (P-3), First Teacher Home Visiting, and the Children’s Policy Councils. The Children First Trust Fund is also administered by the Department.