Access to affordable, high-quality childcare remains one of the biggest barriers for working families. United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) is taking a major step to change that. Through its Early Learning Acceleration Institute (ELAI), United Way awarded $375,000 to 14 childcare providers across our region. In partnership with Childcare Resources and Success By 6 (a UWCA early learning initiative) the funding is anticipated to create new spots for up to 600 additional children, while expanding access and choices for families and strengthening local providers.
Trinity Love Center Expands with New Centers in Bessemer and Brighton
Several recipients plan to open new locations, including Trinity Love Center, led by LaTonya Bender. Inspired by her grandmother, who ran a daycare for years, Bender opened her first center in 2015 in the same Brighton building where her grandmother once operated.
After initially connecting with United Way through Success By 6, she joined ELAI early on, receiving her first grant in 2024. For Bender, that grant arrived at a critical time.
Following a decline in enrollment during the COVID-19 pandemic, she said the grant helped her reset and regain momentum.
“United Way’s grant funding is what I personally needed. It was the spark that lit the fire,” she said. “We were able to increase by 30 kids just from the promotion of the grant and the feedback.”
Now, with support from United Way, she is launching two new centers in Bessemer and Brighton, creating space for nearly 200 children. The funding also supports infrastructure improvements such as plumbing upgrades, fire alarm installation and new classroom furnishings to improve safety and quality of care.
“It’s not just about childcare being free and accessible, it’s about quality,” Bender said.
Expanding Childcare in Underserved Communities
Four of the selected centers are located in areas classified as severe childcare deserts by the Center for American Progress. Many are long-time partners through Success By 6 or other early education efforts.
The 14 funded providers include:
- Bryant’s Daycare & Learning Center (Birmingham).
- Einstein’s Playground (Birmingham).
- Kids Connect Learning Center (Hueytown).
- Kidz Konnection Child Development Center LLC (Hueytown).
- Lighthouse Child Development Center (Bessemer).
- MAP Inc. (Birmingham).
- New Hope Christian Daycare (Birmingham).
- Pamper Me Nursery CDC (Birmingham).
- Pathways (Birmingham).
- Rebirth Christian Academy (Center Point).
- Ro’s Heavenly Angels (Bessemer).
- Tots N Toddlers Learning Center’s new location (Jasper).
- Trinity Love Center’s new locations (Bessemer and Brighton).
- Warrior Early Learning Center (Morris).
This latest round of funding is the fourth since 2023. The increase from this grant cycle brings the total anticipated number of spots created through ELAI to more than 2,000.
Learn more about how United Way supports early childhood education here.