Child Care Program Office
Information for Providers: Child Care Resource and Referral
The Department of Health and Social Services provides funding to Resource
and Referral (R&R) agencies to assist programs in providing high
quality care and education for young children. Services offered included
referrals, professional development, training, resources, and support,
and lending libraries. Most services are provided free of charge to licensed
and approved child care programs.
Anchorage and South Central Region:
Child Care Connection
http://www.childcareconnection.org
1-800-278-3723
P.O. Box 141689
Anchorage, AK 99514-1689
Fairbanks and Northern Region
C.A.R.E.S Resource & Referrals
http://www.alaskacares.org
(907) 459-1439 or (866) 878-CARE
1908 Old Pioneer Way
Fairbanks, Alaska 99709
Juneau and Southeast Alaska
AEYC-SEA
http://www.aeyc-sea.org
3100 Channel Drive Suite 215
Juneau AK 99801
1-888-785-1235
Training and Professional Development
Child Care Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies provide on-going workshops and seminars that count toward licensing hours and sometimes college credit. On-going courses include the twenty hour SEED Overview of Early Care and education, and the 120 hour Alaska Based Child Development (ABCD) course, along with specialized training for school age, infant toddler, and family child care programs.
On-site technical assistance, and consultation by phone is offered to licensed and approved child care programs. Distance delivery training is also available for rural programs, along with a weekly video broadcast delivered through public television.
Training offered assists early childhood educators as they move from entry level toward a nationally recognized Child Development Associate credential (CDA), or degree in early childhood education. Training is related to the Alaska SEED System for Early Education Development.
Reimbursement of up to $500 per year is offered to persons working in licensed child care programs for qualified child development training. This can include university classes, first aid and CPR classes, conference registration, and travel costs of 75% to100% of costs.
For more information, contact your regional Resource and Referral agency listed above. Additional contacts are:
How to Get Child Care Referrals
Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies offer referrals at no charge to licensed and approved child care programs. To begin receiving referrals, a program completes a questionnaire over the phone or by mail, regarding their program hours, fees, and activities offered. The Resource and Referral agency calls monthly to update openings. If the program does not have openings, or does not wish to receive referrals at any time, the program simply requests that the R&R hold referrals until notified.
Caring 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 programs in meeting the individual needs of children who may be at risk of removal from a program, or non-inclusion in child care due to behavioral, physical, medical, or other special needs.
The Alaska In! program determines the accommodations needed for inclusion in the child care program, and offers additional training and support to programs to help them meet the child’s individual needs. If the family qualifies for child care assistance, the program may be eligible for additional funding to provide accommodations needed in order to maintain stable consistent care that meets the individual needs of the child.
For more information, contact the Resource and Referral agency in your region listed above.
Lending Libraries
Resource and Referral (R&R) agencies maintain excellent lending libraries including books, videos, and learning materials to enhance the quality of care for young children. Delivery services are offered on a limited basis in some communities. Licensed and approved programs in any community may call to request materials to be sent by mail. Call your regional Resource and Referral agency listed above for a library application.