Early Childhood Programs and Useful Links for Families
Local Programs
Coming soon to the North Slope Borough School District a small immersion program (approximately 11-12 children), serving student parents seeking an education and low-income families in a full-time childcare program for children birth to 36 months. More information, including location, opening date and criteria for enrollment coming this summer, 2009. For more information contact Anna Mekki, Early Childhood Educator/Administrator, Miqliqsiqivik, (907) 852-9677, anna.mekki@nsbsd.org.
Tuzzy Consortium Library offers programs for children of all ages, ranging from story times to craft programs. All children are welcome, and parents are, too! For more information please call (907) 852-4050 ext. 28
Family Nutrition Services – WIC Clinics. WIC provides free healthy foods (milk, cheese, eggs, 100% fruit juice, cereal, peanut butter, tuna or salmon, carrots, beans, iron fortified cereal and baby formula), nutrition education, breastfeeding guidance and support, anemia screening, immunization review and referral, and referrals to other health and community services. Services are for pregnant, postpartum (recently given birth), or breastfeeding women, and children up to their 5th birthday. Must also meet liberal income guidelines and have a nutritional need. Men and foster parents are encouraged to apply for their children under five years of age. WIC Clinics – DHSS/DPA is located at 579 Kingosak Street, North Slope Borough, Barrow, AK 99723. Main Ph: (907) 852-0410, Fax: (907) 852-3766, Contact: wendy.christianson@north-slope.org
Alaska Early Intervention/Infant Learning Program – Barrow office, (907) 852-9676 provides services for families with infants and toddlers (birth to age three) with special needs.
National Programs
Poison Control Center – CALL 1-800-222-1222 right away! If you think someone has been poisoned, infants, children, and adults.
Boys Town National Hotline – 1-800-448-3000, a crisis, resource and referral number especially for kids and parents. Open 24 hours a day, everyday! Offers Spanish-speaking counselors and translation services for 100+ languages. TTY line available for the hearing-impaired. Counselors can help find services and agencies in the callers’ local community.
National Association for the Education of Young Children – Resources for Families interested in becoming more aware of issues concerning the care and education of your children. You can help improve opportunities for all young children.
Alaska Initiative for Community Engagement – Info on Alaska Early Childhood Education.