Alaska Child Care Assistance Program

The Child Care Assistance Program helps low-income working families in Alaska pay for child care. It uses the federal Child Care Development Fund to lower what you pay a licensed or approved provider, so you can work, look for work, or go to school. You can apply online through the AKCCIS portal at akccis.com, and get help by calling 907-265-3100 or the state Child Care Program Office at 907-269-4500.

The program has a few clear rules on who fits. A family may qualify if the parent or parents work, or attend a job-training or educational program. The child who needs care must be younger than 13 years of age. And the family must financially qualify based on its size and gross income.

The state does not publish a single income line, so the surest step is to ask. The Child Care Program Office confirms the exact income figures for your family size when you apply. If you are working or in school and money is tight, it is worth checking rather than assuming you earn too much.

You get to choose your provider, within a rule. The family must pick a child care provider that takes part in the Child Care Assistance Program. Many licensed and approved providers do, so ask a provider you like whether they accept the program.

The subsidy lowers your cost; it does not always cover the full bill. It goes toward the care you choose from a participating provider, and the family may still pay a share. Knowing that up front helps you plan your budget around work or school.

Getting help is straightforward. Apply at akccis.com, and for questions you can call thread at 907-265-3100 or toll-free 800-278-3723, open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The state Child Care Program Office is at 907-269-4500 or toll-free 888-268-4632. Dial 2-1-1 for other family help while you apply.