UAB holds ribbon-cutting for new Early Learning Center supporting early childhood education and family care solutions

The University of Alabama at Birmingham celebrated the opening of its Early Learning Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 30. The new facility, located at 10th Avenue South and 11th Street between the Education and Engineering Complex and Birmingham City School’s EPIC Alternative Elementary, directly supports faculty and staff success prioritized by UAB’s strategic plan, Forging Ahead. 

“We are pleased to open this new, thoughtfully designed facility that more than doubles our capacity to offer quality, accessible child care and early learning experiences,” said UAB President Ray L. Watts. “This investment reflects UAB’s continued commitment to supporting work-life balance and the success of our faculty and staff, which contributes to our collective success in achieving the strategic goals of Forging Ahead.” 

The Early Learning Center looks to alleviate the increasing demand for child care as UAB employees grow their families. The new one-story building has increased the ability to accommodate 174 percent more children, including 228 children and 46 infants.

The facility encompasses 18,500 square feet of space, including classroom and operational space, and a 9,700-square-foot exterior playground. The total project cost of approximately $11 million is funded by the proceeds of a UAB bond issue and UAB Finance and Administration reserve funds. The new center will offer reduced tuition and discounted child care to UAB faculty, staff and students.

“The new Early Learning Center enhances the high-quality, convenient child care we have been providing for our employees, while offering a practical and financially sustainable solution,” said Brian Burnett, Ph.D., senior vice president for Finance and Administration. “We appreciate the task force and faculty and staff’s commitment to the institution’s purposeful growth, keeping family care solutions at the forefront.”