Services

Early Childhood Education

Understanding the importance of early education, GPCDC operates a child development center that provides high-quality, affordable childcare services. Our programs focus on cognitive, social, and emotional development, ensuring children receive the foundational skills necessary for lifelong success. Additionally, we offer free meals through our childcare services, alleviating food insecurity and promoting healthy development.

State-Funded Pre-K

The Greater Peace Child Development Center offers one state-funded Pre-K classroom in partnership with the Alabama State Department of Education through the Office of School Readiness. The Alabama First Class Pre-K Program is free to children who turn four years old on or before September 1st. The program operates from 7:30 am to 2:00 pm, August through May, and primarily follows the Opelika City Schools calendar.

Closures include Fall Break, Thanksgiving week, two weeks at Christmas, Spring Break, holidays, and teacher training days. Alternative childcare arrangements must be made during these times.

Private Faith-Based Pre-K

This year-long (12-month) program is open to students turning four on or before September 1st. It combines the Creative Curriculum and Frog Street Curriculum, enhanced by daily Bible, history, and cultural lessons to foster academic excellence and cultural appreciation. Hours: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm Closures include: 1 day for Fall Break, 3 days for Thanksgiving, Christmas week, Spring Break, all federal holidays, and professional development days.

This program also provides seamless summer care, ensuring continued learning in a nurturing, faith-based environment.

Pre-school Programs for 4-year-olds

We accept children aged 2 to 4 years, with a preference for potty-trained children. However, non-potty-trained children are accepted at a slightly higher tuition rate. A child with more than one accident per week is considered “not potty trained.” As a child development center, we provide structured daily learning—including Bible, history, and cultural lessons—to prepare students for real-world interaction and lifelong learning. Hours: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm, 12 months a year Scheduled closures allow our educators time to rest and reenergize.

Teacher Requirements

All teachers have completed the Department of Human Resources (DHR) required training. Pre-K teachers hold a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education or a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. Teachers also complete the required number of professional development and training hours annually, ensuring they are well-equipped to offer a high-quality learning experience.

Licensing and Qualifications

The Greater Peace Child Development Center is licensed by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR). Staff members are required to complete a minimum of 12 hours of training per year, supplemented by additional professional development through the Greater Peace Community Development Corporation.

Youth Education & Development

To support the next generation, GPCDC provides a range of after-school and summer programs designed to offer safe, enriching, and educational experiences. These programs provide tutoring, mentorship, recreational activities, and meals, ensuring that children and teens have positive outlets for growth and development. Engaging youth in meaningful activities, we help them build confidence, leadership skills, and academic success.

STEM After-School Program (K-6)

A low-cost program serving students from Jeter, Carver, Southview, Northside, Morris Avenue, and Fox Run Elementary Schools. Staffed by retired educators and local school personnel, this program offers a safe, enriching environment after school. Activities include tutoring, physical education, arts and crafts, nutritious snacks, and computer lab access. Hours: 2:45 pm – 5:30 pm Follows the Opelika City Schools calendar.

Summer Camps (K-6)

The Summer Educational Enrichment Program runs for six weeks and helps prevent summer learning loss through hands-on, project-based learning, field trips, and cultural activities. Meals provided: Grab-and-go breakfast, full lunch, and snacks Hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm Fundraising opportunities are available to help with camp fees.

Free Tutorial Programs (K-12)

Youth Leadership Academy (9-12)

An eight-week program for high school students, offered at no cost in the spring and fall. Students meet weekly on Mondays, receiving guidance from local leaders on leadership, soft skills, careers, law, and civility. Includes weekly dinners and ends with an awards banquet. Students completing both sessions are eligible to apply for our annual college scholarship. Space is limited.

Teen Workforce Development (7th-9th grade)

Designed for 7th–9th graders, this summer initiative combines volunteering with afternoon workshops on personal finance, home economics, public speaking, writing, career exploration, and civility. Applicants must submit teacher and school administrator recommendations and complete a training workshop before being assigned to a volunteer site.

Wired for Success (College Prep & Careers)

Offered throughout the school year, this program provides high school students with:

Resume-building and interview prep workshops
A college and career fair
The “Road to College Tour” visiting junior colleges, trade schools, and four-year institutions

Adult Education

Empowering individuals with the skills needed for sustainable employment is a cornerstone of our mission. Through our workforce development programs, we offer job training, skill-building workshops, and internship opportunities for teens and young adults. Our initiatives cater to individuals of all backgrounds, providing career pathways in various industries and helping participants achieve financial independence.

Workforce Training Programs

Open to college students and adults, our annual workshops and events provide resume assistance, interview preparation, and a community-wide career fair, supporting individuals as they enter or advance in the workforce.

Outreach Programs

Each year, we host workshops and outreach sessions to empower families with essential life skills and resources. Topics include:

Human Exploitation and Sex Trafficking Awareness
First-Time Homebuyers
Heirs Property Protection
Agricultural Land Use
Credit Recovery
Parenting Classes …and more.

Volunteer Opportunities

Opportunities are available for individuals 19 years and older in both the Child Development Center and STEM After-School Program. Volunteers may assist with:

Office duties
Reading and engaging with students
Tutoring
Program planning All volunteers must complete a background check prior to participation

Food Insecurity Initiatives

GPCDC is deeply committed to addressing food insecurity in our community. We provide free meals through our child development center, after-school, and summer programs. Our holiday food pantry also ensures families have access to nutritious meals during critical times of the year. By addressing food insecurity, we help children and families focus on education, work, and personal growth without the added stress of hunger.

USDA Food Program (0-18 years)

Our Child Development Center and STEM After-School Program participate in the Child and Adult Nutrition Program (USDA), providing free nutritious meals and snacks daily to all students.

Food Pantry Services

We offer a seasonal food pantry to support families during school breaks when grocery needs often increase. For dates and updates, please follow us on Facebook.

Housing & Economic Development

As a key player in the affordable housing sector, GPCDC, in partnership with the Bennett Group, has developed housing projects to provide safe, high-quality, cost-effective solutions for socially disadvantaged families. Our initiatives include rehabilitating existing properties, developing new affordable housing units, and offering rental assistance programs. Through these efforts, we ensure that families have stable and secure housing, a crucial foundation for overall well-being and economic mobility.

Affordable Housing & Economic Development

In partnership with The Bennett Group, we develop affordable, high-quality housing across Alabama—including the Jordan’s Gate Community in Opelika. New development projects are underway and will be announced soon.

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