Child Care Frequently Asked Questions

You can search for child care providers using Alaska’s Child Care Information System (AKCCIS). 

This tool includes: 

• Licensed providers (State of Alaska and Municipality of Anchorage) 
• Providers participating in the Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) 
• Approved (license-exempt) providers participating in CCAP 

Child Care Assistance in Alaska is known as Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency (PASS). The program helps eligible families pay for child care while they work, attend school, or participate in training. 

PASS is divided into four eligibility categories: 

• PASS I:  Provides child care support for families receiving Cash Assistance through the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program (ATAP).  Families must request this support through their assigned Work Services case manager. 

• PASS II:  For families transitioning off ATAP whose case has closed with earned income. 

• PASS III:  For families who are not eligible for PASS I or PASS II, or who have never received ATAP benefits. 

• PASS IV:  For children involved with the Office of Children’s Services (OCS). Families must contact their OCS case manager for assistance. 

Families can apply for child care assistance online through AKCCIS (Alaska’s Integrated Child Care Information System). 

Yes. Alaska offers additional support through Alaska IN!, a program that helps families access child care that meets the needs of children with special needs. 

Alaska IN! provides: 

• Enhanced referrals to child care providers 
• Additional support for eligible families 
• Resources to help providers offer inclusive care 

👉 Visit the Families  page to learn more about eligibility and how to apply. 

If you have concerns about a child care provider, you can submit a complaint online through AKCCIS using the public complaint form. 

thread is Alaska’s statewide child care resource and referral network. It: 

• Helps families find child care free of charge for families enrolled in the Child Care Assistance Program 
• Supports providers with training and resources 
• Promotes high-quality early childhood education across Alaska 

To receive payments through CCAP, providers must: 

• Be an approved or licensed provider  

• Complete the provider enrollment process  

• Meet program requirements  

Providers will also work with a Child Care Resource and Referral agency: 

• thread  

• Alaska Family Services  

These organizations help support provider participation and payments. 

Contact thread, or Alaska Family Services Inc., the resource networks for families and child care providers, determined by region.  

Choose your provider type:

• Child care home  

• Child care center  

• Approved (license-exempt) provider  

Review requirement:

Depending on the type of provider, requirements may include: 

• Background checks  

• Health and safety training  

• Facility inspections  

• Staff qualifications  

Complete the application process

Submit required forms and documentation depending on your provider type 

👉 Visit the Become a Provider page for step-by-step instructions. 

To become a licensed home, group home, or center, submit your application online through the Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS) 

Eligible providers must: 

• Complete the Child Care Grant application (CC30)  

• Submit required documentation to the Child Care Program Office (CCPO)  

👉 Visit the Forms & Applications page to access the Child Care Grant application.