Early Childhood in Alabama

In Alabama, early intervention specialists are essential to helping young children who face risks due to disabilities, developmental delays, or difficult life circumstances. Early support can prevent challenges from becoming long-term barriers. As a result, children are better prepared to learn, grow, and participate fully in daily activities.

These professionals use a preventative, family-centered approach. Instead of offering one-size-fits-all solutions, they work directly with families and educators to design individualized strategies. By doing so, they ensure each child’s unique needs are met with care and consistency.

Additionally, this teamwork helps create equitable access to developmental and educational opportunities. Not only does it benefit children academically, but it also strengthens community support systems.

As a result, early intervention specialists play a key role in shaping Alabama’s early childhood landscape. Their work lays the foundation for long-term success, both in and out of the classroom.

College Programs

Graduate Programs

Master of Arts (MA) in Special Education

Financial Aid

University of West Alabama

Master’s Program (M.Ed Online)
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Master’s Program (Ed.S Online)
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Master’s Program (P-3 M.Ed Online)
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University of South Alabama

Master’s Program (MEd Online)
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Master’s Program (MEd Reading Certificate Online)
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Master’s Program (Alt MEd)
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Master’s Program (EDS)
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Auburn University

Master’s Program (MEd Online)
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Master’s Program (M.S)
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University of Alabama at Birmingham

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program 
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Alabama State University

Master’s Program
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Master’s Program (Alternative A)
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Financial Aid

Auburn University Montgomery

Master’s Program
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Master’s Program (Alt M.S)
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Master and Education Specialist (EdS) Degrees in Collaborative Teaching
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Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

University of Alabama in Huntsville

Bachelor’s Program (Child, Family, Community Development)
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Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education PK-3)
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University of West Alabama

Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood Development)
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Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood Education P-3)
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University of Alabama at Birmingham

Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education)
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Bachelor’s Program (Early Childhood Education)
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University of Alabama

Bachelor’s Program
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Bachelor’s Program (Special Education)
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Financial Aid

Graduate Programs

Master’s Program
Financial Aid

University of South Alabama

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program 
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Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
Financial Aid

Bachelor’s Program
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Graduate Programs

Alabama State University

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program 
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Financial Aid

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program 
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Financial Aid

University of South Alabama

Master’s Program
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Doctorate Program 
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Financial Aid

Undergraduate Programs

Community College Programs

Scholarships & Grants

General Scholarships & Grants

Amount: $300 to $5,000

This need-based grant supports undergraduate students enrolled at a participating state college or university. To qualify, applicants must meet both Federal and state financial aid requirements. As a result, eligible students can receive financial assistance that helps cover their educational expenses.

The (Re)Engage Alabama Grant Program was made possible through the Alabama Act 2023-539. Its primary goal is to increase the number of Alabama adults who hold college degrees.

Additionally, the program encourages adults with some college credit to return and complete a degree program aligned with the state’s high-demand occupation list. It also establishes a grant that offers financial assistance to adult learners pursuing postsecondary education in Alabama.

By combining degree completion incentives with targeted financial support, the program strengthens the state’s workforce and expands opportunities for adult learners.

Grant amounts vary from year to year depending on the availability of funds. However, they cannot exceed $3,000 per academic year. In addition, this grant is available only to students enrolled at an eligible independent Alabama college or university. Unlike some programs, it is not need-based.

The following institutions are the only participants of the Alabama Student Grant Program:

Amridge University
Faulkner University
Huntingdon College
Miles College
Oakwood University
Samford University
Spring Hill College
South University – Montgomery
Stillman College
U.S. Sports Academy
University of Mobile”

General Scholarships & Grants

To begin with, colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine a student’s eligibility for financial aid. As a result, assistance may include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

In order to remain eligible, applicants must submit the FAFSA each year to maintain their financial aid status.

Specifically, the Federal Student Aid Estimator provides an estimate of how much aid a student may receive. In detail, these estimates are based on the Student Aid Index (SAI). Then, officials use this figure to determine federal student aid eligibility.

To begin with, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) offers Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as federal student loans. In particular, ED designed these loans to help eligible students cover the cost of higher education.

For example, students may use this financial support to pay for expenses related to attending a four-year college or university, community college, or trade, career, or technical school.

A federal grant for undergraduate students with financial need.

Initially, direct PLUS Loans help cover education expenses that other financial aid does not pay for. Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education offers these loans to eligible graduate or professional students. In addition, they are available through schools that participate in the Direct Loan Program.

Firstly, this grant supports undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Specifically, the financial assistance office at each participating school administers it directly.

However, it is important to note that not all schools take part in this program.

Specifically, the program offers students part-time employment opportunities while they attend school. Moreover, it is open to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, both full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.

Moreover, participating schools administer the program and place a strong emphasis on civic education-related jobs. In particular, it prioritizes work connected to your course of study or civic engagement, whether on campus or in the community.

Educator Scholarships & Grants

Amount: $17,500

You may receive up to $17,500 in loan forgiveness if you were a highly qualified special education teacher at the elementary or secondary level. Accordingly, your primary responsibility was providing special education to children with disabilities.

Moreover, you must have taught students with disabilities that align with your area of special education training. In addition, you must have demonstrated strong knowledge and teaching skills in the curriculum areas you taught.

Amount: $4,000/yr

The TEACH Grant Program provides up to $4,000 per year in grants. In particular, it supports students who are completing or planning to complete the coursework required to start a career in teaching.

Educator Career Development Grants

Amount: Up to $500
The Association of American Educators provides grants and scholarships for teachers. Specifically, grants can be used to purchase classroom supplies. Meanwhile, scholarships are available to support professional development.

The McCarthey-Dressman Education Foundation offers academic enrichment grants and teacher development grants.

Supports professional development projects that directly and significantly benefit teachers’ students. However, application requirements vary by state.

Offers grants for teachers. These grants help fund participation in professional development programs, including summer institutes, conferences, seminars, travel abroad, and action research.

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Fulbright Teachers for Global Classrooms program helps U.S.-based educators bring international perspectives to their schools.

Specifically, it funds a one-year professional learning opportunity and an international exchange that lasts a few weeks.

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation awards grants to individual teachers and groups of teachers.

They support the integration of innovative pedagogical strategies that promote critical inquiry.

Furthermore, such interventions should include observations on how these strategies impact students.

To help students in the education field afford higher education, the sponsor offers financial support.

They believe educators have the power to spark positive change in students’ lives and shape their futures. Applicants must be current college students majoring in education.

Classroom Grants

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Arts Fund supports art education at all levels.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Social-Emotional Wellness Fund supports teachers in addressing their students’ social-emotional wellness.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Inclusive Classroom Fund provides educators with the supplies they need to meet the diverse needs of their students.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The Racial Equity in Schools Fund supports students and teachers of color by providing flexible funding for essential resources.

This includes multicultural books, professional development opportunities, school supplies, and financial support for equity-focused initiatives.

Amount: $250 – $1,000+
The STEM Fund supports science, technology, engineering, and math initiatives.

Amount: Up to $5,000

This program offers grants for K–12 educators to fund large special projects in their classrooms. Importantly, there are no restrictions on the project subject. However, each project must benefit more than fifteen students.

Amount: Up to $1,000
The P. Buckley Moss Foundation offers funding for art supplies, with a special focus on students who learn differently.

Amount: $2,000 to $25,000
Sponsored by Voya Financial, the Voya Unsung Heroes awards fund effective and innovative projects that improve student learning.

Amount: Two large supply boxes

Each teacher served will receive two large boxes of core school supplies. These supplies are designed to last for at least one semester. Each box includes pencils, pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, sharpeners, erasers, rulers, and pens.

In addition, items are tailored to grade level. For example, younger grades receive crayons and markers, while older students get highlighters and colored pencils.

Amount: up to $750
The grant will provide funds for materials, equipment, and other resources. In particular, it supports projects that would otherwise not be covered by the school’s budget.

Amount: $500
AAE Foundation grants can be used for books, software, calculators, math manipulatives, art supplies, audio-visual equipment, and lab materials.

They may also cover other approved supplies or projects. However, funds must be spent within one year of the application deadline.

Teachers post their needs on the Donors Choose website and donors—both private individuals and big-name retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy—decide which requests to fund.

The purpose of the Educational Technology, Media, and Materials for Individuals with Disabilities (ETechM2) Program is to improve outcomes for children with disabilities.

It does this by (1) promoting the development, demonstration, and use of technology, and (2) supporting educational activities designed to provide value in the classroom.

In addition, it (3) funds captioning and video description suitable for classroom use, and (4) ensures children with disabilities receive accessible educational materials in a timely manner.

Amount: $500.00
The Special Education Resource Grants Program has delivered numerous benefits. As a result, it provides teachers with valuable resources to help students maximize their skills. In many cases, these resources have enabled students to read, write, and even speak for the first time.

Amount: $1,000
The Awesome Foundation is a global community dedicated to promoting creativity and innovation.

Founded during the long summer days of 2009 in Boston, the foundation awards $1,000 grants—no strings attached—to support unique projects and their creators. At each chapter, funds are pooled from around ten self-organizing “micro-trustees.”

These contributions are then given directly to recipients in cash, check, or even gold doubloons.