Hello parents! The Alaska child care assistance program can help families get funding for child care expenses. You can also find information about where to find out if a child care facility is licensed and where to report violations or file a complaint.
The Child Care Program Office is responsible for administering the Alaska subsidy program for child care. This Child Care Assistance Program provides financial assistance to eligible families to help them have equal access to child care programs. Eligible families are those that are working or participating in an education or training program. This program is called PASS which stands for Parents Achieving Self Sufficiency. There are 3 categories of PASS, PASS I, PASS II, and PASS III.
PASS I is a program offering assistance to parents receiving Alaska Temporary Assistance benefits while they seek work or participate in activities leading them toward employment. Under this program, Alaska child care assistance is available to children under the age of 13, up to 19 if the child has a developmental disability, or for children aged 13-18 if under the supervision of the court and required to be in the care of an adult.
PASS I only provides financial assistance for a certain number of hours of child care. The case manager will determine the number of hours that are covered. Any hours beyond that will not be covered and will need to be paid by the parents. To apply for PASS I benefits, contact your current case manager or a DPA case worker. For a list of DPA contact offices, click here.
The PASS II program provides assistance to families that are transitioning off of the Alaska Temporary Assistance Program. Assistance may be provided for up to twelve months while you work or participate in an education or training program. Financial assistance is eligible for children under the age of 13 or up to 19 if the child has a developmental ability. Eligible families are those that are working, in school, or in job training. Eligibility is also based on your family size and your gross income (before taxes). You will need to submit an application to a local Alaska child Care Assistance office and provide a copy of the PASS II Referral notice you received from your DPA local office. For contact information, click here.
The PASS III program provides assistance to eligible families that are working, in school, or in job training. Alaska child care assistance is available for children under the age of 13 or up to 19 if the child has a developmental disability. To apply for PASS III assistance, you must submit an application to a local Child Care Assistance office. The contact information can be found here.
The Alaska Inclusive Child Care Initiative, or Alaska IN!, works to expand the availability of quality child care for children with special needs. Eligible families are those with a child who has a special need and is under the age of 13 or is between the ages of 13 and 18 and has a developmental disability. The family must also be eligible under the PASS program. To find a representative for Alaska IN! in your area, click here.
If you would like to find out if an Alaska child care facility is licensed or has any complaints filed against them, please contact the Department of Health and Social Services at the number below or click here,
Alaska Child Care Licensing Contact
Department of Health and Social Services
Division of Public Assistance Child Care Programs Office
619 E. Ship Creek Ave., Suite # 230
Anchorage, AK 99567
Phone: (907) 269-4600 or (888) 268-4632 (In-State)
If you would like to file a complaint or report a violation:
Please contact one of the three regional state offices below or by email at dpaccp@health.state.ak.us.
Northern Regional Office
907-451-3198
South Central Regional Office
907-269-4500
Southeastern Regional Office
907-465-4756
Statewide Toll Free
1-888-268-4632
Municipality of Anchorage
907-343-4758
