The Best Daycare Centers in Wasilla, AK
Discover the best licensed daycare centers in Wasilla. Quality childcare with qualified staff and safe environments.
Top Daycare Centers in Wasilla
Kiddie Corner Daycare & Learning Center
Independent
Kiddie Corner is a highly-regarded local daycare known for its comprehensive early childhood education program. They implement a play-based learning curriculum that emphasizes social-emotional development, literacy, and STEM concepts. The center features certified early childhood educators with low student-teacher ratios, secure entry systems, and age-appropriate learning environments. Parents consistently praise their transparent communication, nutritious meal program, and the center's focus on creating a nurturing, home-like atmosphere while maintaining rigorous educational standards.
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The Children's Place
Independent
The Children's Place offers a structured educational program that balances academic preparation with creative expression. Their curriculum includes Montessori-inspired elements, outdoor education, and technology integration for older preschoolers. The facility features secure classrooms, large outdoor play areas, and dedicated spaces for different age groups. Staff members hold early childhood certifications and receive ongoing professional development. The center is particularly noted for its strong parent-teacher partnerships and comprehensive developmental tracking system.
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The Goddard School
Goddard Systems, Inc.
As part of the nationally recognized Goddard School network, this location brings research-based early childhood education to the Wasilla area. Their F.L.EX.® Learning Program (Fun Learning Experience) focuses on academic readiness, social skills, and creative development through play-based learning. The school features state-of-the-art security systems, modern classrooms, and extensive playground facilities. All teachers are degreed or certified in early childhood education, and the curriculum includes STEAM activities, foreign language exposure, and character development programs that prepare children for elementary school success.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about daycare and childcare services in Wasilla, AK
What are the typical costs for full-time daycare or preschool in Wasilla, Alaska?
In Wasilla, the cost of full-time childcare varies significantly based on the child's age and the type of facility. For an infant (under 18 months), you can expect to pay between $1,100 and $1,400 per month at a licensed center. For toddlers and preschoolers, monthly fees typically range from $900 to $1,200. In-home licensed family childcare is often slightly less expensive, ranging from $800 to $1,100 monthly. These costs are influenced by factors like staff-to-child ratios, curriculum, and facility amenities. It's important to note that Alaska does not have a state income tax, but childcare costs can still be a significant portion of a family's budget. Many providers in the Mat-Su Valley participate in the State of Alaska's Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) for eligible families, and some may offer sibling discounts.
How long are waitlists for quality daycare centers in Wasilla, and how can I secure a spot?
Waitlists for highly-rated, licensed daycare centers and preschools in Wasilla can be substantial, especially for infant care. It is not uncommon for waitlists to be 6 to 12 months long, and sometimes even longer for coveted spots. For this reason, it is highly recommended that expecting parents or families planning a move to the area begin their search and get on multiple waitlists as early as possible—ideally during the second trimester of pregnancy. When contacting providers, ask specific questions: your position on the list, if there's a fee to be on the list, how often they update families, and if they prioritize siblings of current enrollees. Exploring options in nearby Palmer or considering a licensed family home daycare can provide more immediate availability.
What are the licensing requirements and regulations for childcare providers in Alaska, and how can I verify a Wasilla provider's status?
All childcare providers in Alaska caring for more than four unrelated children must be licensed by the State of Alaska, Department of Health and Social Services, Division of Public Assistance. Key regulations include mandatory background checks for all staff, specific health and safety training (including pediatric CPR/First Aid), annual facility inspections, and adherence to staff-to-child ratios based on age groups (e.g., 1:4 for infants). You can and should verify any provider's license status, inspection history, and any compliance actions through the official "Alaska's Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS)" website or the "License Lookup" tool on the State of Alaska DHSS website. This due diligence is crucial for ensuring your child's safety and the program's quality.
Are there childcare options that accommodate non-traditional or shift work schedules common in Wasilla's industries (e.g., healthcare, transportation)?
Yes, but they can be more challenging to find. Wasilla's economy includes many parents working in healthcare, the Alaska Railroad, or retail with early, late, or rotating shifts. While most traditional centers operate between 6:30 AM and 6:00 PM, some licensed family home daycares may offer more flexible or extended hours. Your best strategy is to explicitly ask about early drop-off (before 6 AM) or late pick-up (after 6 PM) when interviewing providers. Additionally, you might consider a nanny share with another family on a similar schedule or utilize a combination of a part-time center spot with a trusted babysitter for coverage. Networking through local Facebook groups like "Mat-Su Valley Childcare Connection" can be invaluable for finding providers who cater to shift workers.
What should I look for in a daycare to ensure it's prepared for Wasilla's unique climate and environment?
Given Wasilla's long winters, significant snowfall, and variable conditions, a daycare's preparedness is essential. Key things to inquire about include: their outdoor play policy in cold weather (Alaska guidelines recommend going outside unless it's below 0°F or there's a wind chill advisory), the quality and availability of proper winter gear storage, and their procedures for safe drop-off/pick-up on icy parking lots. A good provider will have a clear plan for indoor gross motor activities on extreme weather days. Furthermore, ask about their emergency preparedness for power outages (common in winter storms) or earthquakes—they should have backup heat, light, food, and water, and a communication plan for parents. Centers with large, well-lit windows can also help combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) for children during the darker months.