First 5 Alabama

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First 5 Alabama

First 5 Alabama is part of a global effort to support early learning and positive health outcomes.

Vision: All Alabama Children Thrive By Five

The Alabama Association for Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (AAIECMH) was formed in January 2017 and will operate under the name of First 5 Alabama. During this time, the AAIECMH became a licensed affiliate of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health®, a global organization that includes those states and countries whose infant mental health associations have licensed the use of the Competency Guidelines® and Endorsement® for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health® under their associations’ names. Purpose and goals of the Association:

• promote the healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of children from conception through five years of age through supportive and nurturing relationships;

• facilitate interdisciplinary cooperation among individuals concerned with promoting conditions that will bring about the optimal development of infants and young children;

• encourage the realization that infancy is a sensitive period in the psychosocial development of individuals and to promote education, research, and study of the effects of mental development during infancy on later normal and psychopathological development; and

• promote the education, professional development, and Endorsement® of professionals across multiple disciplines to increase the supply of early childhood mental health consultants to enhance programs of care, intervention, and prevention of mental impairment in infancy and early childhood. Founding Partners:
Alabama Partnership for Children (manages the Association)
Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education
Alabama Department of Education
Alabama Department of Human Resources
Alabama Department of Mental Health
Alabama Department of Public Health
Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Early Intervention

First 5 Alabama | Board Officers

Faye Nelson, President
Alabama Department of Human Resources

Gail Piggott, Secretary
Alabama Partnership for Children Secretary

Sallye Longshore, Treasurer
Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention

03/10/2026

✨March Center Spotlight✨

1. Stacy Avery is the center director at V. Robinson Head Start and Pre-K. She has worked with Head Start for 18 years and truly has a heart for children and families. Mrs. Avery taught Alabama’s First-Class Pre-K at V. Robinson many years before becoming the center director. Her love for staff and families is evidenced in the way she goes above and beyond to support them daily.

2. V. Robinson Head Start and Pre-K serves 133 children from Alexander City and Tallapoosa County. Our Pre-K program was one of the first in the state of Alabama as a pilot classroom. We have added additional Pre-K unit since that first year, and are proud to be able to serve 4-year-old children in our service area. We are DHR licensed with one star rating and completely funded by the Head Start Program from the Office of Head Start. As per Head Start Program Performance Standards, all classrooms always have 2 teachers in order to meet the needs of the children we serve. Our center also has a Family Service Worker (2) on staff to help meet the needs of the family, whether it be through medical assistance, resource information, or meeting individual family goals. We know that success for the child starts at home; we want our parents to thrive so our kids can thrive!

3. What makes our center stand out is the children that we see day in and day out. Spend a few moments around them and you will see how special they truly are! While many face challenges and hardships, they are full of life, wonder, and excitement for learning. Teaching at V. Robinson myself for over 18 years, I know firsthand that we have some of the most inquisitive children I have had the privilege to teach.

4. We support social, emotional, and academic development through our curriculum- Teaching Strategies. This supports the child’s natural development while preparing them for the next level. Parents are encouraged to be involved in the school experience in a way that aligns with the support the teacher is giving daily.

5. We serve the child and the family, making our preschool center unique among other programs. We value the importance of the family on the success and happiness of the child.

02/17/2026

Eagle Learning Academy is led by Mrs. Tonya Porter, founder and director, a graduate of Auburn University, and a proud wife to her husband and co-owner, Jerry Porter. Together, they are blessed with five beautiful children, and family is at the heart of everything she does. Mrs. Porter earned her degree in Speech-Language Pathology from Auburn and has served children in both local school systems and private clinical settings, bringing a strong therapeutic and educational foundation into early childhood education.

As a woman of faith, Mrs. Porter believes Eagle Learning Academy is part of her God-given assignment. What began as a vision placed in the hands of a single mother has grown—through faith, obedience, and hard work—into two thriving childcare locations serving families in the community. She is guided by her motto. “Two locations. One vision. One purpose.”

Eagle Learning Academy is a DHR-licensed child care center serving children from infancy through school age. The center is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and structured environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. ELA serves children from diverse backgrounds, including those with developmental delays, speech and language needs, and behavioral challenges, operating with the belief that every child is created with purpose and deserves individualized care and support.

A key strength of Eagle Learning Academy is its leadership team and dedicated staff. The center is supported by strong systems, policies, and procedures that promote consistency and excellence in daily operations. Ms. B. Dunklin, Assistant Director of Eagle Learning Academy #2, plays an instrumental role in upholding the vision, supporting staff, and ensuring the day-to-day success of the center. Her leadership, growth, and dedication has been a blessing and a vital part of the center’s continued success.

✨February Center Spotlight✨

Eagle Learning Academy maintains DHR-compliant teacher-to-child ratios at all times and is staffed by early childhood professionals who are committed to growth, teamwork, and excellence.

What sets ELA apart is its intentional commitment to going above and beyond by partnering with community programs, applying for grants, and working with outside agencies to support children with additional needs, while meeting families where they are.

Eagle Learning Academy focuses on building confidence, communication, early academic skills, and positive behavior. ELA is known not just for quality childcare—but for partnership, purpose, and a place where children can SOAR!

Above all, none of this would be possible without God, who gives us the victory

01/26/2026

Endorsement Support & Live Office Hours – Register Now!

Hi First 5 Alabama Members,

We are excited to offer Endorsement Support & Live Office Hours on the 1st and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 PM. If you’re interested in joining, please register using the link below:

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/XRgSCszhR4-UkV3tiD70Lg

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.

11/18/2025

Endorsement Support & Live Office Hours – Register Now!
Hi First 5 Alabama Members,
We are excited to offer Endorsement Support & Live Office Hours on the 1st and 4th Wednesday of each month at 12 PM. If you’re interested in joining, please register using the link below:
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/XRgSCszhR4-UkV3tiD70Lg
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to join the meeting.

10/27/2025

Social Emotional Development and Play (2hrs)

When: November 19, 2025 01:00 PM

📍Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ow.ly/j9WJ50UEEml

10/27/2025

The Power of Vocabulary Building with Young Children with Andi Wilson

When: November 10, 2025 11:00 AM

📍Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ow.ly/KCjf50UHLbs

10/20/2025

Challenging Behaviors Round Table with Kenyetta Wallace

When: November 3, 2025, at 11:30 AM

Audience- All caregivers of infants and Children or Anyone with questions related to challenging behaviors in infants and children

📍Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ow.ly/XSGP50UI7AE

10/09/2025

✨Director Spotlight: Delia Hasberry✨

Delia Hasberry, Director of First 5 Alabama, is passionate about supporting families and promoting early relational health across the state. Under her leadership, First 5 Alabama has strengthened its mission to provide Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation, empowering both childcare providers and families to thrive.

Delia takes great joy in working alongside dedicated consultants and partners who share her commitment to high-quality care for young children. She values the collaboration, expertise, and heart that each team member brings to the work of supporting families and nurturing healthy early relationships.

For Delia, the most rewarding part of her role is witnessing the positive impact on children, caregivers, and communities—ensuring that every child has a strong start in life. Her leadership continues to inspire those around her to provide compassionate, evidence-based support that makes a lasting difference.

10/08/2025

Check out our October Mental Health Consultation Newsletter!

10/03/2025

ADHD Signs and Symptoms with Karen Marsh

When: October 17, 2025 01:00 PM

📍Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ow.ly/ftMK50UHTEH

Address

2595 Bell Road
Montgomery, AL
36117

Website

http://www.first5alabama.org/

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Dr. Elaine McNally, DC
2569 Bell Rd

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03/10/2026

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