Advocates of early childhood education are expecting another expansion of the state's pre-kindergarten program for 4-year-olds, and they are waiting to see how much the governor will propose when the Legislature convenes Jan. 14.
Gov. Robert Bentley says he will recommend an increase, but he's not saying how much yet.
The Alabama School Readiness Alliance, the Alabama Partnership for Children and others are seeking an increase of $12.8 million for the upcoming school year.
The executive director of the Alabama School Readiness Alliance, Allison de la Torre, says that would add more than 2,000 students to the 5,500 who already participate in the voluntary program.
That increase is in addition to the $9.4 million extra that the governor and Legislature provided for the current school year.