FY20 thread Annual Report | Child Care is No Small Matter
Letter from thread’s CEO
At thread, we’ve always known that early childhood education is “No Small Matter.” Events over the past year have brought to light just how critical child care is as an infrastructure support for Alaska’s working families and economy.
Prior to the pandemic, thread had increased efforts to shift Alaska’s child care conversation towards long-term change in support of families having access to affordable, quality child care. In October 2019, more than 150 people attended thread’s third Economic Impact Summit on Early Care & Learning where we shared the latest research and stories, and engaged in design thinking around the issues of child care. One highlight of the Summit was the Anchorage debut of the national child care film “No Small Matter,” along with keynote sessions with the filmmakers to spark local engagement on the issue.
When COVID-19 disrupted the daily lives of all Alaskans in early 2020, thread was honored to be in a position to advocate for, and support the early childhood education sector and families due to our work in previous years. As communities moved into lock down, most child care programs stayed open caring for children of first responders, healthcare workers, and others. Since the onset, Alaska’s early childhood education sector has embraced the unknown, adapting to rapidly changing conditions, and finding creative solutions to evolving challenges.
In this annual report you’ll discover how thread not only celebrated and supported our critical early childhood education sector, but how child care is still “No Small Matter” and remains our focus today. Child care programs are still struggling through COVID, and Alaska’s economic recovery depends on these businesses being there for families on the other side of the pandemic.
This past year has been memorable, but together we are making it through. Our hope is that you continue to join us in this imperative work.
Thank you for your partnership in supporting Alaska’s early childhood education sector.
Our Impact
Supporting Families
“I am very thankful for having thread’s quality help. Each time I’ve called for assistance I was treated like my family is very important. All my questions were answered without any hesitation. I’m a new mom and feeling comfortable and confident in my child care search was all thanks to thread.”
Anonymous Parent
Supporting Child Care Programs & Early Childhood Educators
COVID-19 Support
- thread’s COVID-19 Quality Initiative was supported by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), the Rasmuson Foundation, and the Mat-Su Health Foundation.
“We truly appreciate that thread has continued their support and availability as an educational resource during this global crisis.“
Northern/Interior Program
Engaging the Community
- No Small Matter: A Summit on the Economic Impact of Early Care and Learning in Alaska: 150+ policymakers, business leaders, and members of the early childhood education community attended. Plus, 300 movie goers joined thread and the filmmakers at the Anchorage premiere of the film No Small Matter.
- thread’s 13th annual Book Party in the Park: provided over 7,000 free books to children in Anchorage.
- thread Awards: recognized AnneMarie Mattacchione, recipient of the 2020 Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award, and Carousel Child Care Center and Denali Preschool and Learning Center, recipients of the 2020 Program Quality Improvement of the Year Award.
Year in Review
The highlights below show how through adversity, thread continued to empower parents, support child care professionals and programs, and collaborate with Alaska’s communities.
Cool Timeline
thread’s 13th annual Book Party in the Park was held in Anchorage. More than 7,000 gently used books were distributed to roughly 560 attendees.
A viewing of the national film No Small Matter , followed by Q&A with the filmmakers was held at the Bear’s Tooth Theatrepub to kick-off thread’s 3rd Economic Impact Summit on Early Care & Learning. There were 300 attendees at the event. The film was later shown in the Mat-Su Valley, Valdez, and to the Alaska State Legislature.
thread’s 3rd Economic Impact Summit on Early Care & Learning brought together more than 150 early educators, business and community leaders, policymakers, and families for dialogue and engagement around new economic data and the issues facing early childhood education in Alaska. The theme, No Small Matter, was based on the national documentary highlighting the importance of child care.
Many thread training workshops were delivered at the Anchorage Association for the Education of Young Children Conference. During the conference, thread awarded the Quality Improvement Program of the Year Award to Carousel Child Care Center and Denali Preschool and Learning Center. AnnMarie Mattacchione M.ED of Fairbanks received thread’s Cindy Harrington Heart & Mind Award, given to an early educator each year who has demonstrated a commitment to excellence and professional development.
Celebrated Provider Appreciation Day statewide with a virtual gratitude wall and video message to Alaska’s early educators.
“Throughout the pandemic, thread has continued to step up to the plate, whether it be reaching out to programs to see if we are in need of anything, sending weekly emails with resource links, to now this financial assistance.”
– Owner, Family Child Care Business, Cordova
Financial Position
Activity Summary
Revenue
| Support (government, foundation, corporation, individual) | $5,932,673 |
| Revenue (training, contract, other) | $300,411 |
| Total Support & Revenue | $6,233,084 |
Expenses
| Program Services | $5,514,061 |
| General and Administrative | $526,614 |
| Fundraising | $47,443 |
| Total Expenses | $6,088,118 |
Statement of Financial Position (June 30, 2020)
| ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Current assets | $1,903,910 |
| Non-current assets | $295,974 |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $2,199,884 |
|---|
| LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Current liabilities | $467,473 |
| Non-current liabilities | $ 91,693 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES | $559,166 |
|---|
| NET ASSETS | |
|---|---|
| Without donor restrictions | $1,540,714 |
| With donor restrictions | $ 100,004 |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS | $2,199,884 |
|---|
To request the full FY20 audited financial statements, please contact thread.
Donors & Supporters, We’re Grateful!
We are grateful to the many individuals, foundations and businesses who supported our efforts this year!
About Us
thread is Alaska’s Child Care Resource and Referral Network offering services to families, early childhood educators, early childhood education programs, and communities statewide. The Network consists of three sister organizations who deliver the services throughout the state—thread; AEYC-SEA; and Thrivalaska.
Our Vision
That all early childhood education is accessible, affordable, and high-quality to support positive outcomes for children and families.
Our Core Values
- Empowerment
- Access
- Child Care Professionalism
- Children’s Rights
- Entrepreneurial Incubator
Download a printable version of this report.