Atqasuk, AK

As the primary licensed childcare facility in Atqasuk, Kidlaitch Child Development Center serves the remote North Slope community with comprehensive early childhood programs. The center operates under North Slope Borough's Health and Social Services department, providing culturally responsive care that incorporates Iñupiaq traditions and values. Staff are trained in early childhood development and maintain low teacher-to-child ratios. The facility features age-appropriate learning environments, nutritious meal programs aligned with USDA guidelines, and developmentally appropriate curriculum that prepares children for school readiness while honoring local cultural heritage.

Located in Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), approximately 60 miles from Atqasuk, this college-affiliated center serves North Slope families with high-quality early childhood education. The center employs degreed early childhood educators and follows NAEYC-aligned standards with Iñupiaq cultural integration. Features include a research-based curriculum, indoor gross motor play area, family-style dining, and strong parent partnership programs. As part of Iḷisaġvik College, the center benefits from educational resources and professional development opportunities, making it a regional leader in Arctic early childhood education serving multiple North Slope communities.

Operating in the regional hub of Utqiaġvik, this center serves families throughout the North Slope Borough, including those from Atqasuk who travel for medical appointments or seasonal work. The facility emphasizes literacy development through its connection with the Tuzzy Consortium Library and incorporates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) activities adapted for Arctic environments. The center maintains state licensing compliance, employs certified early childhood professionals, and offers culturally relevant programming that includes Iñupiaq language exposure, traditional storytelling, and outdoor activities appropriate for the Arctic climate.