Programs

The University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) RISE Program is recognized as a license-exempt program, having met the health and safety standards. This allows our program to accept financial support for our families, including the UCP Subsidy for children with disabilities.

All UAH Early Learning Center classrooms for young children follow the NAEYC suggested ratio of teacher to children based on students’ chronological age and educational needs. An equal ratio of children with and without disabilities is our goal for our inclusive classrooms. Each classroom in the Early Learning Center employs a degreed teacher and one teacher's assistant. Children are under the supervision of a responsible adult at all times.

The UAH Early Learning Center has a year-round schedule that is aligned as closely as possible with the schedule of the university and our local school systems. The projected days of operation for each year are supplied in advance to allow parents time to plan alternative child-care options. The classes operate from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. After-school care is provided from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Before-school care is available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:50 a.m.

During the typical school day, each child follows a schedule that includes individual activities, group activities, gross motor play indoors or outdoors, therapeutic services as indicated, lunch, and rest. Each child’s schedule is individualized so that the day can include as many learning opportunities as possible. At the UAH Early Learning Center, we believe in BEST PRACTICE and providing our children with an education that addresses their social-emotional, cognitive, adaptive, and motor skills and language needs.  

At the UAH Early Learning Center, we are committed to providing high-quality, research-based early childhood education that fosters growth and development in a nurturing environment. We have proudly adopted the Creative Curriculum, the most extensively researched curriculum designed to support all children in inclusive and engaging learning spaces.

Our curriculum aligns with the NAEYC Standards, Alabama Early Learning Guidelines, and Alabama Developmental Standards, ensuring that each child receives a well-rounded foundation for future learning. The Creative Curriculum is user-friendly, developmentally appropriate, and tailored to meet the diverse needs of young learners.

Through hands-on experiences, interactive learning, and individualized instruction, we inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence in every child. At UAH Early Learning Center, we believe that early childhood education lays the groundwork for a lifetime of success.

The UAH Early Learning Center functions as an instructional site for UAH students. Students may participate in a variety of ways, usually working directly with the children in some capacity. Students are closely supervised by the UAH Early Learning Center staff. If students are performing any tests or procedures that may be considered experimental or are being completed for research, parental permission must be received.