• The Alabama First Class Pre-K is a grant funded program operated by the Office of School Readiness. This program is designed to provide a full day of developmentally appropriate instruction and support for four-year-old children. The Pre-K curriculum and instruction is aligned with the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool Children. These standards address 9 areas of development, which include:

    1.  Language and Literacy
    2.  Mathematics
    3.  Science and Environmental Education
    4.  Health 
    5.  Fine Arts
    6.  Technology
    7.  Physical Development
    8.  Social-Emotional Development
    9.  Approaches to Learning 

    The goal of the First Class Pre-K program is to ensure students have access to high quality learning experiences that prepare them for future success in school. 

  • Reminders and Supply List: 

    • A child must be 4 years old prior to September 1, 2023.
    • Students must be potty trained.
    • Enrollment is random selection.
    • Class size is a maximum of 18 students. 
    • Breakfast and lunch are provided free each day.
    • Transportation is not provided for Pre-K by the District.
    • Parents must complete 12 volunteer hours during the school year.
    • A change of clothes (weather appropriate) is required daily.  
    • Small blankets are optional for rest/naptime.  
    • No supplies are required for First Class Pre-K; however, you are welcome to make donations to the teacher's wishlist items below:
      • Baby Wipes
      • Disinfectant Wipes
      • Disinfectant Spray
      • Variety sized bandaids 
      • Kleenex
      • Paper towels
      • Hand sanitizer
      • Bottled hand soap
      • Ziploc bags (quart or gallon) 

    If your child needs additional services, please contact the Special Education Director, Dr. Relf, at relfv@russellcsd.net  or 334-408-4928. 

  • Help Me Grow Alabama

    Help Me Grow (HMG) connects families to health and developmental resources so children (birth to age eight) can start school healthy and ready to succeed. With this proven model, HMG helps to ensure all children to have the best possible start in life.

    CORE COMPONENTS

    • Making the Connection – receive calls regarding a child’s developmental concerns, assess needs & available resources, and refer families to services
    • Educating Providers – educate professionals about developmental surveillance & screening while promoting access to services
    • Building the Network – develop relationships within the community & maintain an accurate list of local resources
    • Identifying Gaps & Barriers – collect and analyze data to identify needs and effectively connect families to resource
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  • The Pre-K classes are located at the following Russell County School District schools:

    Dixie Elementary    334-468-5353 / 4914 Hwy 80 West, Opelika, AL 36804 

    Ladonia Elementary   334-468-5805 / 9 Woodland Drive, Phenix City, AL 36869

    Mt. Olive Primary     334-468-5100 / 454 Hwy 165, Ft. Mitchell, AL 36856 

    Oliver Elementary    334-468-5400 /  77 Longview Street, Seale, AL 36875

  • Born Ready

    Born Ready is an initiative from the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education (ADECE) focused on raising awareness among Alabama parents of the importance of early brain development and high-quality early care and education. The mission of ADECE is to inspire and support parents and caregivers, as well as to deliver cohesive, comprehensive systems of top-quality education and care so that all Alabama children thrive and learn. Born Ready is not only developed to inform parents; it’s designed to empower them and give them access to the tools they need to be their children’s first and best teacher.

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