The Best Daycare Centers in Girdwood, AK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Girdwood. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Girdwood
Girdwood Preschool Co-op
Girdwood Preschool Cooperative Association
Girdwood Preschool Co-op is a community-based, parent-participation preschool offering play-based learning in a nurturing mountain environment. The curriculum emphasizes social-emotional development, outdoor exploration, and hands-on learning activities. Certified early childhood educators lead small class sizes with low student-teacher ratios. The program incorporates Alaska's natural environment into daily activities, with outdoor play and nature exploration being central to their educational philosophy. Parents participate in classroom activities and decision-making, creating a strong community partnership. The facility features age-appropriate learning centers, extensive outdoor play areas, and developmentally appropriate materials that encourage creativity and cognitive development.
Daycare Services:
The Goddard School of Anchorage
Goddard Systems, Inc.
The Goddard School in Anchorage serves families throughout the region with a comprehensive F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) that balances academic readiness with social development. Their play-based curriculum includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and creative arts, delivered by degreed teachers in state-of-the-art classrooms. The facility features secure entry systems, age-appropriate playgrounds, and dedicated learning centers. Their program emphasizes STEM education, foreign language exposure, and character development. With extended hours and flexible scheduling, they accommodate commuting families from Girdwood and surrounding areas. The school maintains rigorous safety protocols and comprehensive staff training in early childhood development.
Daycare Services:
Bright Horizons at South Anchorage
Bright Horizons Family Solutions
Bright Horizons at South Anchorage provides premium early education and childcare with a research-based curriculum that supports whole-child development. Their World at Their Fingertips approach integrates literacy, mathematics, science, and social studies through hands-on learning experiences. The center features secure facilities with coded entry systems, indoor gross motor spaces, and developmentally appropriate outdoor play areas. Highly qualified teachers hold degrees in early childhood education and receive ongoing professional development. The program emphasizes emergent curriculum based on children's interests, with strong focus on social-emotional learning and school readiness skills. They offer nutritious meals and snacks, regular parent communication through digital platforms, and flexible scheduling options for working families commuting from Girdwood.
Daycare Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Girdwood, AK
What are the main types of licensed childcare available in Girdwood, and how do I find them?
In Girdwood, licensed childcare options are primarily family childcare homes and a limited number of center-based programs, often affiliated with local organizations or resorts. Due to the small, tight-knit community, formal centers are scarce. The most reliable way to find licensed providers is through the State of Alaska's "Child Care Search" tool on the Alaska Department of Health website. Additionally, local community boards at the Girdwood Post Office, the Girdwood School, or the Girdwood Chapel, as well as the "Girdwood, Alaska" Facebook group, are invaluable for word-of-mouth recommendations and learning about new or in-home providers. It's crucial to verify a provider's license status directly with the state to ensure they meet health, safety, and staff training requirements.
How far in advance should I put my child on a daycare waitlist in Girdwood, and what are typical wait times?
Given the significant shortage of childcare slots in Girdwood, parents are advised to get on waitlists as soon as possible, even during pregnancy. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 12 to 24 months long, especially for infant care, which is the most limited. Some families secure a spot before their child is born. When contacting providers, ask directly about their current waitlist length and if they offer priority for siblings or local residents. Being flexible with desired start dates and considering a mix of providers (e.g., a nanny share for part of the week) can improve your chances of securing care.
What is the average cost of full-time childcare in Girdwood, and are there any local or state assistance programs?
Childcare costs in Girdwood are high, reflecting both the limited supply and the higher cost of living in Alaska. For a licensed family childcare home, expect to pay between $1,200 to $1,800 per month for full-time care. A center-based program, if available, may be higher. Financial assistance is available through the State of Alaska's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), which provides subsidies to eligible families based on income, family size, and need. Additionally, some local employers, particularly in the resort and tourism industry, may offer flexible spending accounts or limited assistance. It's recommended to apply for CCAP early, as processing times can be lengthy.
How do seasonal tourism and weather impact childcare availability and operations in Girdwood?
Girdwood's economy and lifestyle are deeply seasonal, which directly impacts childcare. During the peak winter ski season (November-April) and summer tourism months, demand for childcare often increases with seasonal workers and visiting families, making slots even harder to find. Some providers may adjust hours or close for brief periods during shoulder seasons (late April/May and October). Severe weather, including heavy snow, avalanches, and road closures on the Seward Highway, can also lead to unexpected daycare closures or delayed openings. Parents should discuss specific inclement weather policies with their provider and always have a backup plan for getting to and from childcare during winter storms.
Are there any unique childcare options in Girdwood that leverage the community's outdoor and cultural environment?
Yes, Girdwood's unique setting fosters childcare with a strong emphasis on outdoor and experiential learning. Some providers integrate "forest school" principles, with daily outdoor activities regardless of weather, focusing on nature exploration in the surrounding Chugach National Forest. The Alyeska Resort and local organizations sometimes offer seasonal camps or programs for preschool and school-age children that include skiing, hiking, and arts. The Girdwood School also hosts a preschool program. For younger children, seeking a provider who values outdoor play and community involvement—such as visits to the Girdwood Library or walks to the playground—is common. This outdoor-centric approach is a defining feature of local early childhood education.