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Upcoming Webinars
- Friday, April 3
10:15 to 11:15 am (AKST)
State’s Response to COVID-19 and Child
Care – Part 1 (Child Care Aware of America). FREE – RSVP Here
thread Services (as of March 17)
thread’s offices are physically closed, but we are open for business and providing all services via telephone and/or through distance
delivery.
- Training — When possible, training content will be offered/delivered through distance education delivery. If you have recently registered
for training you will receive information from thread notifying you of the training status. Watch training calendar for updates. - On-site Services — Training and/or technical assistance will be available through distance delivery methods as possible. Please contact
your Professional Development Specialist for more information. - Travel Reimbursements — thread is discouraging early educator travel during this time. If you have a pending Alaska
SEED travel request/reimbursement, please contact Alaska SEED by calling 907.265.3194
or email to discuss your specific needs.
Latest Government Updates
thread is working with the State of Alaska Child Care Program Office and the Municipality of Anchorage Child Care Program Office on the
coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is committed to providing you the latest news and information to help you ensure the health and safety of your
staff, children and families.
- March 30: State of Alaska health mandates (updated
regularly) - March 27: Anchorage Mayor Extends Emergency Order to “Hunker Down” to prevent spread of COVID-19 (ADN)
Licensing & Regulations
For questions about licensing and regulations:
State of Alaska Child Care Program Office (CCPO) and Child Care Licensing
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 888.268.4632
- Web: Click here
Child Care Assistance
- Web: Click here
Municipality of Anchorage
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 907.343.4758
- Web: Click here
Deciding to Remain Open/ Close
For programs deciding to remain open or close, the following resources can help you consider your options.
- Should I Close My Child Care Program? [Flowchart] (Child
Care Aware of America) - Guidance for K-12 Schools and Child Care Programs (CDC)
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to COVID-19 (CDC)
Prevention While Open
For child care programs staying open, prevention means staying vigilant about hand hygiene and keeping a close eye on children and staff who are showing signs of illness. These resources provide you with tips for keeping children and staff
healthy.
- Daily health checks (National Resource Center for Health and Safety in Child
Care and Early Education) - COVID-19 Resources (Institute for Childhood Preparedness)
- COVID-19 Resources Child Care Programs Flier [PDF] (Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services)
- COVID-19 Programs Poster [PDF]
(Anchorage Department of Health and Human Services) - Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist [PDF] (US Department of Health & Human Services)
- Disaster Planning for Children’s Needs Resources (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- FAQs (CDC)
- Social Distancing [Video] (CACFP)
Food Security
The USDA has extended the use of Alaska’s Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and school
lunch programs to ensure children affected by child care and school closures can receive a free meal. Families can check with their local school district
to access services in their local area.
- Anchorage School District Meal Distribution
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District Meal Distribution
- Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Meal Distribution
- Juneau School District Meal Distribution
Other Local Resources
- 211: If you have questions about COVID-19 you can call 2-1-1 or 800.478.2221 in areas without 211 access.
- #Resilient-19 (Alaska Children’s Trust)
- Help Me Grow Alaska
- What Alaskans Can Do to Prepare [PDF]
National Organizations
- Child Care Aware of America: Coronavirus Center
- National Office of Child Care: FAQs
Aid Packages
National
- CARES Act: On March 27, the President signed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) into law. This $2
trillion stimulus package includes $3.5 billion in financial relief for the child care industry. See a summary of the package at NPR.
Read more on what you need to know about unemployment insurance in the CARES Act.
Alaska
- Unemployment Law: Earlier this week, Governor Dunleavy signed legislation that expands Alaska’s unemployment benefits. This law waives
the one week waiting requirement, and ensures unemployment is available for those who are furloughed, laid off, lose work hours, or need to stay
home to care for children during the COVID-19 outbreak. Apply online here.
Small Business Supports
- Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Loans: Programs can apply for an Economic Injury Disaster Loan
through the SBA. Up to 2 million dollars is available to small businesses to help offset economic damage due to the COVID-19 virus. Allow 14 –
21 days to fund from date of application. Read more here. - Facebook Small Business Grants: Facebook is offering cash grants and ad credits to small businesses to assist with economic disruption
due to COVID-19. Learn more here. - Mat-Su Health Foundation: Offering (COVID-19 prevention and response grants to Mat-Su nonprofit organizations. Learn more here.
Take Action
To help you weather this growing public health and economic crisis, thread is providing you with opportunities to contact your state and
national legislators through our Advocacy Center to tell them what you need during this crisis.
- April 2: Sign Up for a FREE webinar on Coronavirus Stimulus Bill Updates and Business Resources for Early Childhood Education Programs (Child Care Aware of America)
- Share Your Story! How is COVID-19 affecting you? Your
stories inform our work. - Action Alert: Help Alaska’s Child Care Sector Survive
- March 27: U.S. Congress Votes to Pass COVID-19 Response Stimulus, including Child Care Aid
What’s in the package? Read More
Latest News
- March 29: Alaska Legislature approves funding for COVID-19 response, passes capital and operating budgets (Alaska House Majority)
- March 21: Without clear guidance, child care providers make tough choices (APM)
- March 19: With school closures keeping kids home, Alaska families scramble to work and care for children (KTOO)
- March 18: Anchorage’s child care options are uncertain (Alaska News Nightly) (at 13:15)
- March 17: Without mandate to close, Alaska child care providers face tough choices (Anchorage Daily News)
- March 10: How Should Family Child Care Providers Respond to the Coronavirus? (Tom Copeland)