Alaska
Working families in Alaska need accessible, affordable, quality child care and early learning opportunities for their children.
Currently, federal and state early learning programs reach thousands of young children and their families in Alaska. But too many working families in Alaska are missing out. As a direct result of child care issues, the Alaska economy loses millions of dollars each year in the form of lost earnings, productivity, and revenue.
There are 59K children ages 5 and under in Alaska – 62% of these children have all available parents in the workforce.
The typical annual cost of child care for an infant in Alaska is around $12,000.
The Child Care and Development Block Grant only reaches 13% of eligible families in Alaska. (This federal program helps low-income parents afford child care.)
On average, child care providers in Alaska earn just $35,950 a year; this can make it a challenge to recruit and retain this workforce, leading to supply issues.
Alaska’s economy loses $305M annually due to child care challenges.
Alaska: In The Headlines
Letter: The erosion of education and child care is pushing Alaska families out
Anchorage Daily News | June 1, 2025
Our young people need support to access education, child care, and all the other opportunities Alaska provides.
In Haines, child care and housing shortages are forcing some younger residents to leave
Alaska Public Media | jULY 24, 2025
A recent survey of Haines residents under 40 highlights growing concerns about the community’s ability to support young families, with many citing the lack of accessible child care as a major barrier to building a life in the area.
Opinion: To prevent abuse and neglect, support child care providers
Homer News | April 24, 2025
Access to child care eases family stress, giving parents a much-needed break and enabling them to pursue work or schooling to better their families’ lives.
Alaska Resources & News
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