Alabama early childhood leader Ami Brooks promoted to lead department

After two years leading Alabama’s early childhood efforts, Jan Hume is stepping down from her role at the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education.

She will be replaced by Ami Brooks, who currently directs the agency’s P-3 program. Hume, who worked at the department for nearly 14 years, will take a teaching role at her alma mater Auburn University in the fall.

“People like Jan and Ami are why Alabama has led the nation in early childhood education for 19 consecutive years,” Gov. Kay Ivey said in a news release. “Throughout her tenure as acting secretary and at the department, Jan has fully embraced our goal to give every Alabama child a strong start through efforts like improving the quality of pre-K to implementing new initiatives like the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. I am grateful to Jan for her service to Alabama and know Auburn will benefit from her expertise in the years to come.”

“I am excited to promote Ami to lead the Department of Early Childhood Education to build on our success,” Ivey continued. “Ami’s several years with the department and her background as a pre-K and kindergarten teacher make her exceptionally qualified to lead the agency. Truly, serving our state’s youngest citizens is her passion.”

Ivey appointed Hume as the agency’s interim secretary in April 2023 after the sudden departure of former ADECE Secretary Barbara Cooper.

AL.com found that the governor forced Cooper to resign after a Republican lawmaker expressed concerns about a so-called “woke” pre-K training manual. Several other high-level staffers left the department shortly afterward.

Despite recent turnover, the department continues to receive national recognition for its efforts to serve some of Alabama’s youngest learners. The state’s First Class Pre-K program, which launched as a pilot program in 2000, has led the nation in high-quality pre-K instruction for nearly two decades.

Brooks previously served as one of the state’s first coach facilitators, who aim to help early childhood educators improve classroom management and instruction. Ivey and Hume credited Brooks for creating new assessments and tools to drive the growth of early learners.

“It’s an incredible honor to be appointed by Governor Ivey to serve as secretary for the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education,” Brooks said. “Young children have always been my joy, and I’m thrilled to continue collaborating with dedicated individuals who share a commitment to giving every child a strong start. It is a privilege to contribute to this important work and help further its positive impact. I am grateful to Governor Ivey for this opportunity.”

Brooks will start work on June 16. Hume will remain at the agency through the summer to help with the transition.