Licensed Daycare in Alaska
Find the right daycare in Alaska in under 5 minutes. 533 licensed centers — filter by age, cost, and subsidy. Verified weekly against Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office. Free, no signup.
Listings updated May 2026 from official Alaska licensing records.
Alaska childcare by the numbers
Alaska Childcare Licensing
In Alaska, all child care centers serving children outside the family home are required to be licensed by the Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office. Licensed centers undergo background checks, capacity inspections, and routine compliance reviews.
Minimum staff-to-child ratios are 1:5 for infants under 12 months, 1:6 for toddlers (12–35 months), and 1:10 for preschool (3–5 years). NAEYC-accredited centers typically operate below the state minimum.
What's distinctive about Alaska: Alaska's vast geography makes licensed providers scarce outside Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau. Many rural families rely on tribal Head Start programs and family child care homes. State subsidies cover non-traditional hours for fishing and oil-industry families.
Quick licensing facts
- Regulator
- Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office
- Infant ratio
- 1:5
- Toddler ratio
- 1:6
- Preschool ratio
- 1:10
- Avg infant cost
- $1,230/mo
- Avg preschool cost
- $920/mo
Alaska Daycare Costs by Age (2026)
Infant care in Alaska runs about $14,760/year. Family daycare homes typically cost 10–30% less than centers; Head Start is free for income-eligible families. Toddler & school-age figures are estimates derived from Alaska center averages.
Estimate your exact costHow to Get Childcare Help in Alaska
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Check eligibility for Alaska Child Care Assistance Program. Most Alaska families earning up to ~85% of state median income qualify for childcare subsidy assistance.
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Apply early — waitlists are common. Quality infant programs in Alaska often have 3–12 month waitlists. Start during pregnancy if you can. Intake line: (888) 268-4632.
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Stack federal help. The Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit (20–35% of up to $6,000) and a Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 pre-tax) apply regardless of state subsidy.
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Verify the license before you sign. Confirm current status in the Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office database and tour during operating hours.
Alaska Childcare Subsidies & Tax Credits
Alaska families can apply for Alaska Child Care Assistance Program based on income and work/school status. Federal programs — the Child & Dependent Care Tax Credit, Dependent Care FSA ($5,000 cap), and Head Start — stack on top of state assistance.
Local intake line: (888) 268-4632
Official Alaska & Federal Resources
Independently verify any provider, check subsidy eligibility, and access national child-care databases — all official .gov sources.
Daycare in Alaska — Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know a daycare in Alaska is licensed?
What is the staff-to-child ratio in Alaska?
How much does daycare cost in Alaska?
Are subsidies available for childcare in Alaska?
How do I report unsafe conditions at a Alaska daycare?
Where to get childcare help in Alaska
Free, official channels for finding licensed care, checking quality ratings, and applying for assistance — no account or fee required.
Child Care Resource & Referral counselors help you find vetted local options.
1-800-424-2246 · Find yoursUnited Way's free, confidential line connects you to local childcare, food, and family aid.
Call 211 · 211.orgFree early education for income-eligible families and pregnant women.
Find a programAlaska Child Care Assistance Program can cover most of your childcare cost by income.
(888) 268-4632 · How to applyCheck NAEYC accreditation and your state's quality-rating (QRIS) for any provider.
Find quality careConfirm any provider's current license & inspection record with Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office.
Official license searchHow this data is sourced. Listings for Alaska are compiled from official Alaska Department of Health — Child Care Program Office licensing records and cross-checked for current license status — not paid placements or user star-ratings. Rankings never depend on advertising. Provider details change often, so always confirm directly before enrolling. Reviewed by the DaycareHub editorial team · May 2026 · methodology
Search 533 Licensed Alaska Centers
Free, no signup, filter by age and subsidy acceptance.