The Zelia Stephens Early Childhood Center at Alabama State University is located on Robert C. Hatch and Tuscaloosa Streets, directly behind the University House. The Center is named for Zelia Stephens (Evans), a pioneer in early childhood education, who served the University for 22 years as teacher, department head, and the first director of the Center. Our 15,000 square-foot facility includes four classrooms for children and an observation deck located on the upper level allowing observation of the children through a one-way glass. A speaker system allows sound to be transmitted from the classroom to the observation area. The structure is designed to have laboratory facilities for teacher training in early childhood education and other university students. In addition, the facility includes: health room, fully equipped laundry, multipurpose room, fully equipped kitchen,  seminar room, big well, (auditorium), material center, faculty and staff lounge, and administrative offices.

The playgrounds service the physical needs of preschool children through the third grade and also provides security. The Early Childhood Center is in adherence with fire standards required by Montgomery County Fire Department.  Alabama State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, physical disabilities, or political affiliation. The Center has an enrollment of approximately sixty-six pupils of various ethnic groups, cultures and economic levels who are assigned to Nursery, Kindergarten and Primary grades.

The faculty is composed of four master teachers with numerous student aides. Members of the faculty are ranking members of the University staff who may also provide instruction for prospective teachers of young children.  The Center is oriented toward providing worthwhile social and educational experiences geared to the child’s interest and developmental level. Large and small group instruction is provided through units and projects. Instruction is further refined by providing unit and project-related tasks for individual needs and abilities.