3807 Telstar Circle
Huntsville, AL 35805
256-533-3300
Founded in 1996 by Dr. Collins, the Academy for Learning and Character Development (ALCD) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community program serving children from 3 weeks to 12 years of age. We support families by offering services based on their ability to pay and provide free to low cost childcare for unhoused families, children from battered homes, and veterans actively seeking employment.
With a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education, Dr. Collins, developed ALCD’s original curriculum, designed to provide a strong educational foundation through hands-on, concrete learning experiences. Building on this foundation, ALCD incorporates STEM-based learning into daily instruction—encouraging children to explore science, technology, engineering, and math through play, creativity, and real-world problem-solving.
ALCD is directed by Tequila Slocum, a dedicated early childhood education leader with more than 20 years of experience serving children and families throughout Huntsville and Madison County. Mrs. Slocum holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Administration.
Mrs. Slocum has faithfully served ALCD for over 15 years. Under her leadership, ALCD continues to expand access to high-quality early education while maintaining a nurturing, safe, and engaging environment where every child is valued and empowered to learn.
Our students engage in age-appropriate STEM activities such as exploration experiments and critical thinking exercises that promote curiosity and innovation. Through these experiences, students develop problem-solving skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. STEM concepts are naturally integrated into classroom activities, and outdoor play. Thus helping children understand how learning connects to the world around them.
Our center promotes excellence in education while fostering strong morals and character development. The diversity of our curriculum introduces children to multicultural experiences and encourages respect, leadership, and social-emotional growth. We continuously evolve our programs to bring new and innovative learning opportunities that inspire young minds and support our guiding principle:
“Today’s Learners, Tomorrow’s Leaders.”
Beyond the classroom, ALCD remains deeply committed to the community. Under Mrs. Slocum’s and Dr. Collins leadership, the organization has expanded its outreach efforts through initiatives such as feeding programs for individuals experiencing homelessness, donation center to offer new and used items to support family living and partnerships with local agencies to meet critical community needs.
ALCD is designed for families who expect and deserve the very best in their children’s education—combining academic excellence, character development, and innovative learning experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment.
