Shaktoolik, AK

Shaktoolik Head Start is the primary early childhood education provider in the community, offering comprehensive preschool services through the federally-funded Head Start program. The center focuses on school readiness through culturally responsive curriculum that incorporates Alaska Native traditions and values. Qualified early childhood educators provide developmentally appropriate activities in literacy, math, science, and social skills. The program emphasizes family engagement and offers comprehensive services including health screenings, nutritious meals, and family support services. As the only licensed childcare facility in Shaktoolik, it serves as a vital community resource with strong parent satisfaction and deep community integration.

Serving the entire Bering Strait region including Shaktoolik, this district-wide early childhood program provides comprehensive educational services for young children. The program employs certified early childhood special education teachers and offers developmental screenings, individualized instruction, and family support services. Their approach combines evidence-based early learning practices with cultural relevance, ensuring children develop foundational skills while maintaining connection to their Yup'ik heritage. The program coordinates with Shaktoolik Head Start and provides itinerant services to remote villages, making it accessible to Shaktoolik families through travel and tele-education options.

While not a direct childcare provider, Kawerak's Child Care Development Program serves as the regional childcare resource and referral agency for the Bering Strait region, including Shaktoolik. They maintain a network of licensed home-based providers and offer critical support services to families seeking childcare. The program provides training and technical assistance to childcare providers throughout the region, improves childcare quality through the Alaska SEED system, and helps families navigate childcare options. For Shaktoolik residents, they offer referral services to home-based providers in the region and support for families needing childcare arrangements when traveling to regional hubs like Nome or Unalakleet for medical appointments or other needs.