Programs & Enrollment

Programs

Our programs are thoughtfully designed to cater to the developmental needs of children from 18 months to school age. We provide a nurturing environment that encourages learning through play, exploration, and structured activities. Our curriculum is tailored to foster cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development, ensuring a well-rounded experience for your child. Our dedicated team is always available to address any inquiries you may have about our programs, ensuring that you feel confident and informed about the choices you make for your child's education and care. 

Please don't hesitate to reach out for more information or to schedule a visit to our facilities.


Toddlers - Early Head Start

We recognize the profound impact of early childhood development. Our toddler classes are thoughtfully crafted to deliver exceptional care within a nurturing environment that equally values the child and the parent. Through our collaboration with Child Care Resources Birmingham, we seamlessly integrate the Early Head Start program, which guarantees low teacher-to-child ratios for individualized attention. We employ the Creative Curriculum, a play-based curriculum designed to foster learning through play, enriched with dynamic activities like music, physical exercise, and outdoor exploration to bolster cognitive and emotional growth. Communication between school and family is facilitated by the Procare app, offering parents peace of mind while they work or attend to community tasks. We champion the use of gentle facial and verbal mimicking to augment learning, and firmly believe in the importance of affection, expressed through hugs and tickles, for a child's emotional health. At GBLC, every child is treasured and provided with the essential foundations to flourish.


Preschoolers - Head Start

Early childhood is a critical time of growth and development, and the environment in which a child is nurtured plays a pivotal role. A stimulating environment enriched with music, stories, and outdoor activities fosters rapid learning and development. Teachers who are committed to fostering these skills through a nurturing relationship are invaluable. The use of tools like the Procare app to provide daily updates to parents on their child's progress, including meal and nap times, as well as activities, ensures a transparent and supportive partnership between caregivers and families. Collaborations with organizations such as Child Care Resources in Birmingham can enhance this support system by maintaining low teacher-to-child ratios, which allows for more personalized education and care, catering to each child's unique needs and pace of learning.


First Class PreK (4 years, Sept. 1 of Current year)

The GBLC's collaboration with The Alabama First Class Pre-K is a testament to the commitment to early childhood education. For eight years, this partnership has thrived on a grant-funded program that not only offers full-day, developmentally appropriate instruction for four-year-olds but also engages families in the educational process. By aligning the curriculum with the Alabama Developmental Standards for Preschool Children, the program ensures a comprehensive approach to child development, covering critical areas such as Language and Literacy, Mathematics, and Science. This holistic approach extends to Health, Fine Arts, and even Technology, ensuring that physical, social-emotional, and innovative learning strategies are integrated. The ultimate aim is to lay a strong foundation for lifelong learning and academic achievement, setting children on a path to success from the very start.


School-Age - A.C.E

As children grow and seek independence, they thrive on new challenges that stimulate their development. Our school-age program caters to this need with comprehensive after-school care. This program gives children the opportunity to decompress from their academic day through free play or structured activities. These activities are designed to provide a variety of outcomes that engage your child's intellect and curiosity, nurturing a lifelong love for learning and exploration. The balance of freedom and structure in our program aims to cultivate skills, confidence, and a sense of discovery in every child.

Enrollment

Securing a spot for your child at our center is a straightforward process. Begin by reaching out to us to arrange a visit to our Preschool with your child. We are eager to address any inquiries you might have. The visit allows you to meet our teachers and discover the programs we offer. It's a chance for everyone to become acquainted, ensuring a good fit between our staff, the environment, and your family's expectations. Following your visit, if you decide to proceed, we'll guide you through the registration steps. This involves filling out necessary forms and reading through important documents. 

Once everything is completed, signed, and the deposit is made, we will reserve a place for your child. The last step is to choose a start date.