 |
Child Care Program OfficeInformation for Parents: Child Care Resource and Referral Services
Anchorage and South Central Region: Fairbanks and Northern Region Child Care Referrals
within Fairbanks North Star Borough Juneau and Southeast Alaska Child Care ReferralsChild Care Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies in Alaska maintain a database of licensed and approved programs, including information about their hours of operation, current openings, and activities offered. The R&R also provides materials to assist families in selecting quality child care, helping children transition to a new program, and maintaining positive relationships with child care programs, as well as information about community resources and financial assistance for families with young children. Inclusive Care for Children with Special Needs Some children need additional assistance in order to be included in
child care. The “Alaska In!” program administered through the
Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies offers extra support for families
to find a program to meet their child’s needs. For more information, contact the Resource and Referral agency in your region from the list above. Information on Selecting Quality Child CareChoosing child care is a very important decision for working families with young children. Child Care Resource and Referral agencies help provide guidance, information, and educational materials to help parents know what to look for, what questions to ask, and what their child care options are. Child care referrals can be provided over the phone, by mail, or via the internet. For more information on choosing quality care, contact the Resource and Referral agency in your region from the list above. Child Care Food and NutritionThe Child Care Food Program is a federal program of the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program reimburses licensed and approved child care providers for a portion of their food costs. The primary goal of the program is to improve the diet of children ages 12 year and younger. Food is an important part of every child’s emotional, physical, and social development. Eating habits established during preschool years affect health throughout life. Nutrition is an important part of a good child care program. Children need well-balanced meals in order to meet their daily energy needs and to help build strong bodies and minds. The Child Care Food Program is designed to show child care providers how to help children develop good eating habits and attitudes towards foods. The program is monitored in Alaska by the Department of Education and Early Development, and administered by non-profit sponsoring organizations. For more information or to find your local Child Care Food Program sponsor, call 465-8711, or check the website at http://www.eed.state.ak.us State Child Care Development Plan and Child Care Reports |
Child Care Program Office
|
The Department of Health and Social Services provides funding to Resource
and Referral (R&R) agencies to provide child care information, consultation,
and referral services free of charge to families eligible for child care
assistance. Referrals are also available to families not qualifying for
child care assistance; some R&R agencies ask for a nominal contribution
based on a sliding fee scale.