A national organization recognized Alabama's pre-K program in Washington on Wednesday by presenting the Pre-K Champion Award to representatives from the Alabama School Readiness Alliance and the Alabama Office of School Readiness.

Pre-K Now presented the award during a ceremony at the U.S. Capitol.

“Alabama has emerged as a national leader in the pre-k movement. Thanks to the work of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance and the Office of School Readiness, thousands of children will benefit from the enriching, nurturing experiences that will set them on a trajectory for educational and social success,” said Libby Doggett, Executive Director at Pre-K Now.

“These organizations have helped to expand access and maintain quality at the same time ... this should be the goal for every state,” Doggett said.

Full text available at The Montgomery Advertiser.