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Alaska’s Early Childhood Crisis Finds an Unlikely Hero: A Reinvented University Program

From Near-Collapse to Rapid Growth: How UAA’s Program Defied the Odds

In 2019, the University of Alaska Anchorage’s early childhood education program faced an existential threat—its accreditation was revoked, leaving hundreds of students in limbo. Yet today, the program is thriving, with 145 students enrolled—a 272% increase from just two years ago. The turnaround wasn’t just about recovery; it was about reinvention, driven by a bold decision to center rural Alaska Native communities in its redesign.

By 2021, the program regained accreditation under a new framework, and in late 2023, the state granted it a five-year approval—a rarity in Alaska’s struggling early childhood education landscape. Now, graduates can still secure teaching licenses, a lifeline in a state where child care access is shrinking faster than ice in spring.

The Collapse of Alaska’s Child Care System

The crisis didn’t begin with UAA’s accreditation troubles. Alaska’s child care infrastructure has been crumbling for years. In Anchorage alone:

• Child care businesses dropped from over 300 in 2015 to just 180 in 2023.
• Over 8,000 children now lack access to licensed care.
• Rural areas are hit hardest, with most of the state classified as a "child care desert."

This isn’t just a numbers problem—it’s a human one. Without early educators, parents struggle to work, kids miss critical developmental milestones, and communities lose stability.

Real-Life Impact: From Doubt to Devotion

For Tanner Gobel, a 21-year-old student now gaining hands-on experience in a kindergarten classroom, the program’s revival changed everything.

"I thought they weren’t accredited, so I didn’t choose UAA at first," he admitted. "Now, I’m helping kids learn shapes and math—handling tantrums, answering endless questions. When they raise their hands and light up, it’s worth it."

His journey reflects a growing trend: men entering a field where they’re severely underrepresented. Of the 80 students in apprenticeships, 14% are men—double the national average for early childhood educators. Gobel, who was often the only male in his previous classes, has a simple message:

"It can feel intimidating, but we need people who’ll step up."

Beyond Teaching: A Cultural Shift in Early Education

Not everyone in the program aims to be a licensed teacher. Some, like Gobel, are driven by personal experiences—his desire to give foster kids the stability he witnessed firsthand. Others, like Alaina Watson, a former camp counselor now training to be a director, were drawn to the cultural depth of the curriculum.

"I thought we’d just learn about kids," she said. "But now I see how deep this goes—Alaska Native history, traditions, community ties. It’s not just education; it’s preservation."

Watson’s revelation highlights a key innovation: the program now weaves Indigenous knowledge into its foundation, a move that has drawn more Alaska Native students and reshaped how early childhood education is taught in the state.

The Teachers’ Perspective: Equipping a New Generation

Jessica Brown, a kindergarten teacher working with Gobel, has noticed the difference.

"He doesn’t need much help. He just gets it—knows when to step in or step back."

That instinct is critical. Today’s kindergarteners grew up during COVID-19, missing out on normal social interactions. Programs like UAA’s are equipping educators with the patience and adaptability needed to guide them.

For Bernadette Brown, a panelist and former Head Start mom, the work is about community as much as education.

"I love being part of the family nights, the cultural activities. Head Start isn’t just child care—it’s a lifeline."

The Big Question: Is This Enough?

The program’s success proves that listening to local voices and adapting can fix broken systems. But Alaska’s child care gaps remain vast. With rural areas still struggling and Anchorage’s supply dwindling, the question lingers:

Can this momentum be sustained—and scaled—to meet the demand?

One thing is certain: the need for early childhood educators has never been more urgent, and programs like UAA’s are proving that second chances can lead to real change.