thread is making it easier for educators to learn, grow, stay in the profession, and access the supports they need

August 3, 2026

A new fiscal year brings new opportunities for Alaska’s early childhood and school-age professionals. thread is expanding free training, workforce supports, health benefits, and business resources to help educators succeed at every stage of their careers. Thank you to our partners who have provided funding for these opportunities: the State of Alaska Department of Health Child Care Program Office, 2026 Preschool Development Grant Birth through Five, ConocoPhillips, and thread’s individual donors.

In this article:

thread Training

Throughout the coming year, educators can access a wide variety of free, virtual and in-person training to build practical skills, strengthen programs, and support high-quality care for Alaska’s children and families. Upcoming training topics include:

  • Challenging Behaviors and Special Needs
  • School-Age Care
  • Welcome to the Profession
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • Infant & Toddler Trauma Resilience
  • Advocacy
  • Strengthening Business Practices
  • Alaska SEED Registry
  • ServicePortal

Additional training opportunities will be offered now through June 2027, giving educators access to timely learning that supports every stage of their career. To explore upcoming professional development opportunities, visit thread’s Training Calendar. When you’re ready to register, log in to the thread ServicePortal to view available trainings and complete your registration here: Login

ProSolutions Training

For educators looking for greater flexibility, thread also offers free access to ProSolutions Training, an online, self-paced learning platform that allows participants to complete professional development trainings on their own schedule. You can enroll in ProSolutions by completing this form: ProSolutions Sign Up

Statewide Symposiums

Professional development extends beyond virtual learning. This year’s statewide Infant/Toddler and Preschool Symposiums will feature the theme Tide Pools of Possibility: Inspiring Curiosity, Creativity, & Problem Solving Through Play, bringing engaging, in-person learning opportunities to communities across Alaska. Participants can look forward to practical strategies, meaningful connections with fellow educators, and fun, ocean-themed prizes to take back to their programs. thread’s Symposiums will be offered in the following communities:

Visit thread’s Training Calendar to explore these symposiums and to register. Please note that symposium dates are subject to change. To stay up to date on symposium dates, registration, and other professional development opportunities, subscribe to thread’s email newsletter and follow thread on social media.

Travel Reimbursement

Educators traveling to attend professional development in another Alaska community may also qualify for travel reimbursement through Alaska SEED (System for Early Education Development). Eligible participants can receive up to $1,000 in reimbursement for approved travel expenses by submitting a pre-travel application at least 21 days before traveling and completing the required documentation after their training. Early childhood professionals can find more information on travel reimbursement here: Travel Reimbursement – SEED

Training Reminders

As educators prepare for another year of learning, it’s important to be aware of a few important training procedures:

  • Registration for virtual trainings closes one day before each training.
  • Training invitations are emailed the morning of the scheduled training.
  • Complete the training evaluation within two business days to receive a certificate.
  • Certificates are issued within two business days after the training closes.
  • Training transcripts are always available through the ServicePortal.

“Professional development is an investment in Alaska’s educators, children, and communities,” said Stephanie Berglund, CEO of thread. “By providing accessible training, financial supports, and opportunities for career growth, we’re helping build a stronger early childhood workforce that benefits families across our state.”

Health Benefits

In addition to professional development, eligible early childhood and school-age professionals will have the opportunity to apply for Optima Health Benefits, a program designed to support educator well-being. Approved participants will receive a monthly stipend for 12 months to select the health and wellness benefits that best meet their needs. Available options include:

  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Telemedicine and teletherapy services
  • Accident insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Short-term and long-term disability insurance
  • Critical illness coverage
  • Hospital indemnity coverage
  • Pet insurance
  • Legal services
  • Identity theft and cybersecurity protection

Eligible applicants will receive enrollment instructions through Optima Benefits, with services beginning later this year. A representative from Optima Health will be hosting an informational session via Zoom in August. Learn more and apply for benefits here: Optima Health Benefits

Business of Caring

thread is also reopening the Business of Caring program. This initiative supports Alaskans interested in starting a licensed child care program or expanding their existing program. Participants receive technical assistance, practical resources, startup materials, and stipends to help offset eligible startup costs. By reducing barriers to opening licensed child care businesses, Business of Caring helps expand access to quality child care for families across Alaska. Learn more and enroll in Business of Caring here: Business of Caring

Electronic Payments

thread will be transitioning to electronic payments as the primary method for issuing child care program payments. Electronic payments will allow funds to be delivered more quickly, securely, and reliably while reducing delays and improving accuracy. Programs will receive instructions for setting up electronic payments, including providing banking information and completing a verification process. thread encourages programs to confirm that their financial institution accepts electronic deposits.

thread Conversations

As part of thread’s commitment to staying connected with Alaska’s early childhood community, Stephanie Berglund, CEO of thread, will begin hosting quarterly thread Conversations. These sessions will be a place where Alaska’s early childhood community comes together. Whether you’re an educator, program admin, parent, or partner, everyone has a seat at the table. This is a welcoming space to connect, ask questions, listen to updates, discuss important issues facing the sector, hear directly from child care professionals, and share ideas across the state. More details will be shared soon.

“Supporting Alaska’s early childhood workforce means more than offering training,” Berglund said. “It means removing barriers, creating opportunities, and providing the resources educators need to build lasting careers. When educators succeed, children, families, and communities across Alaska succeed.”

To learn more about upcoming trainings, professional development opportunities, Business of Caring, Alaska SEED, and other resources, watch thread’s website: www.threadalaska.org. To make sure you don’t miss updates, subscribe to thread emails for the latest information and announcements. Sign up for thread emails here: General Subscribe

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