Understanding Child Care Options
Finding child care that best meets your family's needs
Child care programs in Alaska operate in different settings and serve children in different ways. Understanding these options can help families choose the program that best meets their needs.
Child Care Centers
Child care centers provide care for larger groups of children in a facility setting such as a school, community center, or dedicated child care building.
Centers typically:
- Serve children in multiple age groups
- Have several caregivers and classrooms
- Follow specific staffing and safety standards
- Participate in inspections and monitoring visits
Many centers offer:
- Infant and toddler care
- Preschool programs
- School-age care before and after school
Family Child Care Homes
Family child care homes provide care in the caregiver’s home for a small group of children.
These programs may offer:
- Smaller group sizes
- Mixed-age care
- A home-like environment
Family child care homes must meet licensing health and safety requirements and are monitored by the Child Care Program Office.
School-Age Care and Camps
School-age programs provide care for children before school, after school, and during school breaks.
Programs may include:
- After-school programs
- Summer day camps
- Recreation programs
- Programs operated by schools or community organizations
School-age programs may offer:
- Homework support
- Physical activity
- Arts and enrichment activities
- Social development opportunities
Families should confirm whether a program is licensed and review inspection reports when available.
Head Start and Early Head Start
Head Start and Early Head Start programs support children’s development and school readiness.
These programs provide:
- Early learning experiences
- Developmental screenings
- Family support services
Programs are available in many communities across Alaska.
Public Pre-K
Public Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs provide early learning opportunities for young children before they enter kindergarten. These programs are often offered through public school districts, Head Start programs, or other early learning providers.
Public Pre-K programs focus on helping children build skills needed for school success and may include:
- Early language and literacy development
- Social and emotional learning
- Learning through play and exploration
- Preparation for kindergarten routines
Programs vary by community and may be located in elementary schools or other early childhood education settings.
Families can learn more about early learning programs in Alaska and search for available pre-elementary programs using the resources below.
Options for Military Families
Military families may have access to specialized child care programs.
These may include:
- Child Development Centers located on military installations
- Family Child Care Homes operated by military spouses
- Subsidized child care programs for military families
Military families may also qualify for additional child care assistance through federal programs.
Informal In-Home Child Care
Some families choose informal child care arrangements, such as care provided by:
- Relatives
- Friends
- Nannies or babysitters
- Approved in-home caregivers
These providers may not be licensed child care facilities.
If the caregiver participates in the Child Care Assistance Program, they must meet program eligibility and background check requirements.
Families using informal care are encouraged to ask about caregiver experience, safety practices, and references.
Annual Aggregate Report FFY25 Deaths, Serious Injuries, and Child Abuse
Federal law requires states to publish an annual report summarizing certain serious incidents reported in child care programs. These reports provide statewide information about:
- Deaths
- Serious injuries
- Substantiated cases of child abuse or neglect
The report provides aggregated data and does not include personally identifiable information about children, families, or providers.
Reviewing this information can help families better understand statewide child care safety reporting and oversight.