Early Educator Health Benefits

Application Dates: August 3, 2026 – August 31, 2026

Your health is important, and Alaska SEED is here to support you. Apply to receive a monthly stipend for one year to be used for selected health services through Optima Benefits, including vision and dental insurance plans, telehealth, and teletherapy services.

Stipend amounts will be determined by the total number of eligible applicants. After applications are verified, all eligible educators will receive approval letters with the amount of the monthly stipend and instructions to sign up with Optima Benefits to select health services from a menu of options. Access to services will begin in October 2026 and last for 12 months.

Choose from the following options:

Dental Insurance Plan – multiple plan options to choose from, ALL with full network coverage
Vision Insurance Plan – Davis and VSP vision network
Telemedicine – options to include Teletherapy or Primary Care with Dermatology
Accident Insurance
Life Insurance – whole life and term life options
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability Critical Illness Insurance Plan – Cancer, Heart Attack, Stroke, Disease Coverage
Hospital Indemnity – Provides coverage for admissions into the hospital
Pet Insurance
Legal Coverage
ID Theft and Cybersecurity

For more information about the benefit options, view the video library at the bottom of this page.

Informational Session

Join us for a live virtual presentation as Brandon DiCesare from Optima shares an overview of the benefits that educators will be offered as well as review the plans and enrollment process.

August 27, 2026
6:30 – 7:30 pm

Eligibility Requirements

1. You must be a current/active member in the Alaska SEED Registry.

What is 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.

How to Join

If you are not yet a member of the Alaska SEED Registry or your membership has expired, you must first complete your Alaska SEED Registry application and upload all of your training and education documentation to your registry profile.

The Alaska SEED Registry application is found in the ServicePortal, where you can check the status of your membership and access other services like thread training.

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.

JOIN TODAY!

2. You must be currently working in an approved or licensed child care, Head Start, Parents as Teachers (PAT), or as a para professional/teacher in a school district working in a Pre-elementary classroom who is not part of a union.

Monthly eligibility is contingent on active employment. The monthly premium can be applied to spouses and children as well.

PLEASE NOTE: If your place of employment or employment status changes after submitting your application, you must notify Alaska SEED within 10 days by calling 800.278.3723 or emailing info@seedalaska.org.

If you are not sure whether your child care facility is licensed by the State of Alaska or Municipality of Anchorage, search for your program using the Alaska Child Care Information System (AKCCIS) here.

Application Tips

Successfully apply for health benefits using these application tips:

Start by completing your Alaska SEED Registry application if you are not already a member of the Alaska SEED Registry or your membership has expired.

Complete, sign, and submit the application. You will receive a confirmation email after summiting your application letting you know the application has been received.

Complete the Application

Applications are open from August 3, 2026 – August 31, 2026

Apply Now

PLEASE NOTE: If your employment status or place of employment changes after submitting your application, you must notify Alaska SEED within 10 days by calling 800.278.3723 or emailing info@seedalaska.org.