thread is excited to announce the Early Educator Health and Wellness: Building Resilience for Early Education Workforce, Children, and Families grant is now open! This initiative, funded by alcohol tax funding from the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA) and the Anchorage Health Department (AHD), aims to provide essential health and wellness services for early childhood educators.
Physical and mental health are crucial in the demanding field of early childhood education. When educators prioritize their well-being, they can be more engaged in their work, better support their colleagues, and ultimately provide a nurturing environment for the children they serve. A nationwide survey conducted by Teaching Strategies in October 2022 revealed that 45% of early childhood educators reported experiencing high levels of burnout and mental health challenges. Similarly, a study by RAPID in December 2022 found that 71% of early childhood educators faced burnout or “compassion fatigue.”
By supporting the health and wellness of our educators, we aim to foster a more resilient workforce that can positively impact the lives of children and families in our community.
Grant Details
The grant offers financial incentives for educators who have completed specific wellness training programs:
- Wellness Building Resilience for Early Education Workforce, Children, and Families Training: $250
- FAN Multiday Series Level 1 Training: $1,350
- Introduction to FAN 3-Hour Training: $150
Eligibility Requirements
For Wellness Training and 3-Hour FAN Training:
- Currently employed in the Municipality of Anchorage.
- A member of the Alaska SEED Registry
- Works in a licensed child care program within the Municipality of Anchorage
For Multi-day FAN Training:
- Currently employed in the Municipality of Anchorage.
- A member of the Alaska SEED Registry
- Works in a licensed child care program within the Municipality of Anchorage
- Participants currently working on or have achieved Level 3 in the Learn & Grow program
Who is Not Eligible?
- Educators working for programs outside of the Municipality of Anchorage.
- Educators working for programs licensed by the Child Care Program Office and not the Municipality of Anchorage.
- Educators not participating in Level 3 of Learn and Grow for the Multi-day FAN Training.
Thank you for participating in this important initiative, supported by the Municipality of Anchorage and the Anchorage Health Department. thread believes that investing in the health and wellness of our educators is an investment in the future of our children and community.
To learn more about the grant, visit our webpage here. Together, we can build a healthier, more resilient early education workforce that benefits everyone!