Resources for School District and Head Start Programs
The resources on this page support school district and Head Start pre-elementary programs with current Department of Education and Early Development (DEED) approval to operate. Please review the complete list of Pre-Elementary Approval to Operate programs to confirm your program is included.
For questions about approval to operate, please contact DEED Early Learning.
Alaska SEED Registry
The Alaska SEED Registry provides an efficient system for individual staff members to keep track of ongoing education and training. Placement on the Alaska SEED Career Ladder allows an individual to be eligible for more scholarship and funding opportunities, including many of the financial resources on this page.
In-State Travel Assistance
Receive reimbursement for up to $1,000 for road system and $2,000 for off-road system travel to attend professional development conferences in Alaska. To apply, individuals must have an active membership in the Alaska SEED Registry and submit the pre-travel request form at least 21 days prior to travel. Funding is on a first come, first served basis.
Professional Development
thread Training
thread, Alaska’s Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) organization, provides in-person and virtual training statewide. Individuals can view the training calendar and register through the ServicePortal.
Free ProSolutions Training
Sign up for a free subscription to ProSolutions Training! Both staff and administrators can pursue professional development at their own pace with more than 100 individual online courses, multi-course packages, and certifications. Child Development Associate (CDA) courses offered at a reduced rate.
Free ePyramid Model Training
The Pyramid Model is an evidence-based framework designed to support young children’s (birth-age 5) social emotional development. The Pyramid Model is nationally recognized as an effective model by the Federal Office of Special Education (Early Intervention/Part C and Preschool Special Education), Office of Head Start, and Child Care.
Administrative and Business Resources
threadTools
threadTools is a one-stop warehouse of early childhood education policies, forms, regulations, guidance, discounts, and more for program administrators.
More Resources For Programs Enrolled in Learn & Grow
School district and Head Start pre-elementary programs receiving DEED state grant funds are eligible to enroll in Learn & Grow, Alaska’s Quality Recognition and Improvement System for early childhood education programs. Specifically, DEED state grants are the Pre-Elementary Grant, Early Education Program Grant, and the Head Start State Grant.
Pyramid Model Resource Kits
This Pyramid Model Resource Kit helps educators implement the Pyramid Model to nurture social-emotional development in children. This all-in-one kit provides the tools a program needs to teach critical skills like emotional literacy, self-regulation, problem-solving, friendship skills, and more, including materials adapted to align with Alaska Native cultures.
Available to programs participating in the Learn & Grow Pyramid Pathway. Contact info@aklearnandgrow.org to learn more.
Coaching and Training Stipend
Coaching and training stipends are available for individual early childhood educators working in a Pre-Elementary or Head Start program that is actively participating in Learn & Grow and has achieved at least Learn & Grow Level 1. These stipends are intended to help offset teacher time in the completion of coaching and training.
Stipends will vary in amount based on the total number of applications received and the type of stipend. At minimum each stipend will be $500.
Child Development Associate (CDA) Board Certification
Free certification for staff members! Staff actively employed in a program receiving DEED state grants may complete certification through ProSolutions CDA Online. This support includes funding for 120 hours of online training, a stipend for training completion at 60 hours and 120 hours, required books, and board certification fee at completion of program.
For more information on accessing stipend, books, and paying for CDA fees, contact Meghan Johnson at thread.