First Class Pre-K in Autauga County Opens Online Pre-Registration Jan.15 through Feb.28

Online pre-registration for First Class Pre-K in Autauga County opened Jan. 15 and will remain available through Feb. 28 for the 2026-2027 school year. The program is accepting applications for all Autauga County Pre-K sites and is open to any child who is four years of age on or before 9/1/26 and a resident of Autauga County.

The county’s announcement makes clear that no child will be denied participation on the basis of income, sex, race, color, national origin, or disability. That explicit nondiscrimination statement is central to ensuring equitable access to early education in a county where families face varying levels of economic and social need.

Early childhood programs like First Class Pre-K serve multiple public health and social purposes beyond school readiness. High-quality pre-K can improve language and social-emotional development, narrow gaps that follow children into elementary school, and reduce long-term disparities in health and educational attainment. For working parents across Autauga County, expanded access to Pre-K also supports workforce stability by providing reliable care and learning during typical business hours.

Making pre-registration available online streamlines the application process for many families, but it also brings attention to the digital divide. Some households may lack reliable internet or devices, or may need assistance navigating online forms. Local schools and community organizations play a key role in bridging that gap by offering in-person help or alternative registration options for families who need them.

Operationally, the open registration window runs Jan. 15 through Feb. 28. Eligibility is limited to Autauga County residents whose children will be four by 9/1/26. The program covers all county Pre-K sites, so families living throughout the county—from residential neighborhoods to rural stretches—have access to the same enrollment opportunity.

This pre-registration period is an opportunity for county leaders and service providers to monitor demand, identify capacity needs, and plan outreach targeted to communities historically under-enrolled in early childhood programs. Ensuring that information reaches non-English speakers, low-income families, and residents with disabilities will be essential to realizing the program’s nondiscrimination promise.

Families who qualify should complete the online application before Feb. 28 to be considered for placement in the 2026-2027 Pre-K classes. For the community, the rollout is a reminder that early childhood policy is public health policy: how the county implements access now will shape educational equity and family economic stability for years to come.