NEW! AEYC is now part of the Alaska Child Care Resource & Referral network, thread. As part of a network AEYC still delivers the same great services to families in Southeast but also gains the strength of pooling resources and collaborating efforts statewide. Visit the thread website to see what's new!

If you are searching for child care, thread can link you to the online search available below. The online search allows you to search for child care options whenever you wish. AEYC and thread updates program information once a month for child care providers in both Juneau & Ketchikan who participate in the thread referral service.

If you are looking for care in other communities in Southeast, please contact AEYC's referral counselor to learn about choosing quality child care and to find out who the providers are in these communities.

AEYC and thread services have three ways to assist you with your search:

In Juneau or Ketchikan:
1.	Log on to our 'Quick Start' On-Line Referral System and begin your search for child care from your desk-top. ** Please know that locating infant care can be extremely difficult. Please consider contacting the referral counselor in addition to your search.**
All other Southeast Alaska communities -and for personal assistance:
2.	Let AEYC's referral counselor help you! Call 789-1231 in Juneau, or toll free: 1-888-785-1235 outside of Juneau.
3.	E-mail your questions.

Referral Overview
We can let you know which programs have current openings and can tell you about program hours, rates, activities, training, experience, and cover information about choosing quality child care, along with other child care related resources. 

If your child needs special accomodations to be included in child care, we can help! Ask us about enhanced referrals, extra training support and subsidy supplement.

Disclaimer
Only you - the parent - can make the best decision about care for your child.  The names you receive from AEYC and thread are referrals only, not recommendations. 

Referral Fee
The referral service is sponsored by a grant from the Department of Health & Social Services.  There is no charge for referral services though with each referral packet sent out a donation letter is included. We very much appreciate your contribution to help keep this important service available to families and children seeking child care.

Confidentiality
Information received from providers for the Referral Services will remain public information. Information received from parents/clients about their child care needs becomes part of our database and will be used for referral services, research and grant purposes. All personal or identifying information will remain confidential.
AEYC and thread do not share or sell mailing lists or client names.

Child Care Program Complaints
All requests and inquiries regarding complaints will be referred to the Child Care Licensing office and AEYC Executive Director within 24 hours. Information received through complaints may be shared with the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), licensing /child care programs division, and the AEYC Child Care Food Program (CCFP), as appropriate. Program complaints can also be filed directly with the State licensing office at 465-4756. You may request to remain anonymous.

Parents are encouraged to check references with licensing during the interview and enrollment process to see if any reports have been filed against the center or provider.

Complaints Regarding Referral Services
It is our pleasure to serve you and your family. If you have questions, concerns, or have found our services to be unsatisfactory for any reason, please contact our office and let us know so that we may better serve families and children in the future.

Anchorage and Fairbanks:
Referrals in other states:

For help in paying for child care, click here to see if you qualify for the state child care assistance program, or contact your local Child Care Assistance office:

Juneau	463-6184
Haines, Skagway, Yakutat	766-2231 ext. 28 1-888-766-5679 ext. 28
Sitka	747-6955
Craig, Ketchikan, Petersburg	1-800-505-6124
Wrangell	874-2373

Making a decision about the kind of child care to choose is an important one and will take some time.  The very first contact you make could be with AEYC and thread. We can give you a list of child care providers who can meet your needs and share information about choosing quality child care.

Once we have given you a list of providers, you can begin your search for child care by speaking with providers, visiting centers and homes, talking with other parents, and then preparing your child to go to child care.

Quality Care
Take a look at our Quality Early Learning Booklet (289kb) for tips and strategies for choosing the best care for you and your child.

The Interview Worksheet
AEYC has an interview worksheet (14kb) to help you organize the information you get from the providers you call, programs you visit, and the references you check.

Plan for Child Care Search
thread has developed a useful checklist (24 kb) to use as you search for care. It outlines the steps you will take throughout the process and lists additional resources.

Please remember that communication is the key to finding quality care for your child. Programs expect you to come, ask questions, and then call to let them know if you have chosen another program.

Parent & Community Resources

AEYC also has many resources availiable to help families find information you need for your child.

Family Pages Booklet
Information for families to help smooth the transitions between social service and educational programs.

Southeast Families.org
An on-line information site for families with young children to learn about availiable community resources.

In Juneau We Love Our Kids
A list of community resources and phone numbers.

Lending Library
Become a member and gain quick access to information about child development, fun activities, and other parent resources.

Call us anytime, we're here to help!
In Juneau: 789-1231
All other SE Alaska Communities: 1-888-785-1235