Limited Time to Apply!
Award Application Period: September 15, 2025 – October 13, 2025
For additional questions, please email: roots@seedalaska.org
Thank you for your patience! We are experiencing a high volume of calls and emails as we process the Alaska SEED ROOTS applications. Alaska SEED will contact you if there are any issues with your application.
Alaska SEED 2025 Retaining Our Outstanding Teachers (ROOTS) Award
Alaska SEED, in collaboration with the State of Alaska Preschool Development Grant B-5, is excited to announce the 2025 Alaska SEED ROOTS Award is now accepting applications. The 2025 Alaska SEED ROOTS Award is a wage award intended to increase wages for early childhood and school-age professionals.
This year, the 2025 Alaska SEED ROOTS Award will be available to an expanded group of early childhood professionals, including licensed and approved child care providers, school district teachers and paraprofessionals, Head Start staff, Infant Learning Program specialists, and Parents as Teachers providers.
The 2025 Alaska SEED ROOTS Award application opens on September 15, 2025 and closes on October 13, 2025. The award amount for the 2025 Alaska SEED ROOTS Award will be determined by the number of eligible applicants. Eligible individuals will receive a wage award by December 31, 2025.
Eligibility Requirements
You are eligible to apply if you:
Are a current/active member in the Alaska SEED Registry.
If you work in early childhood or school-age education, you are invited to join the free Alaska SEED Registry and take the next step in your professional development journey.
The Alaska SEED Registry is a system to track all your training and education in one place. Your education determines your level on the Alaska SEED Career Ladder, and your membership allows you to apply for various financial supports like the Alaska SEED ROOTS Award.
To join the Alaska SEED Registry, you’ll need to upload all of your education and training documentation to our online form. Learn more here.
Alaska SEED Registry applications are processed in the order in which they are received and may take up to 30 business days until the Alaska SEED Career Ladder certificate is sent.
Are currently employed as a paid employee of a licensed or approved child care facility, school district, Head Start, Infant Learning Program, or Parents as Teachers.
Definitions:
Licensed Child Care Provider: Any child care provider working at a Child Care Program that is licensed by the State of Alaska, Child Care Program Office (CCPO) or the Municipality of Anchorage, Child Care Licensing (CCL).
Approved Child Care Provider: Any child care provider working at a Child Care Program that is approved by the State of Alaska, Child Care Program Office (CCPO) Child Care Assistance (CCA) Program as an Approved Relative Provider, or an Approved In-Home Provider.
School District Certified Teacher or Paraprofessional: Any certified teacher or paraprofessional currently working in a school district classroom with preschool-aged children, three to five years of age.
Head Start Home Visitor, Teacher, or Assistant Teacher: Any home visitor, lead teacher, or assistant teacher currently working in a Head Start program serving children birth to five years of age.
Infant Learning Program Developmental Specialist: An Infant Learning Program/Early Intervention Provider is a professional who delivers services under Part C of the individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Parents as Teachers Provider: A Parents as Teachers (PAT) Provider is a certified professional who delivers early childhood education and support services to families through the Parents as Teachers program.
To confirm a child care facility is licensed by CCPO or CCL, please use the “Find a Child Care Provider” at State of Alaska here.
Application Tips
Successfully apply for this award using these application tips:
Read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for details about the award and application process. You can access the FAQ page by clicking here.
Download and complete your IRS Form W-9 (with your personal information). You will need to upload the completed form to the application.
Complete, sign, and submit the application. You will receive a confirmation email after summiting your application.