Help Paying for Preschool in Alaska (2026)
Preschool is expensive, but Alaska families have three main ways to lower or eliminate the cost: Head Start, public pre-K, and a childcare subsidy. Here's who qualifies for each — then check your family in seconds.
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Head Start & Early Head Start
Free, federally funded preschool (Head Start for ages 3–5, Early Head Start under 3). It's for families at or below the federal poverty line — or who qualify on other factors. Income limits in Alaska (2026):
| Household size | Income at or below (100% FPL, 2026) |
|---|---|
| 3 | $34,150 |
| 4 | $41,250 |
| 5 | $48,350 |
| 6 | $55,450 |
You can also qualify regardless of income if your family is experiencing homelessness, your child is in foster care, or you receive SNAP, TANF, or SSI. Find a Head Start program in Alaska →
Public pre-K in Alaska
Alaska's public pre-K, Alaska Pre-Elementary / Head Start-based programs (DEED), is income- or risk-based (no statewide universal pre-K; public early-education serves 4-year-olds (age 4–5 by June 1)). Families under the program's income line — or who qualify on other factors (English learner, disability, foster, homeless) — can attend free. Official Alaska program info →
Childcare subsidy in Alaska
Separate from preschool programs, Alaska's childcare subsidy — Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP/PASS) — helps working families pay for care, for income up to at or below 85% of the state median income. Apply or learn more →
Preschools in Alaska
See also: when your child can start school in Alaska · how to afford preschool · how much preschool costs.