Early Childhood Center

Ch’anikna – love for children – is one of the tribe’s most important traditional values.

At the Kuya Qyut’anen Early Childhood Center, where the youngest members of the community come to learn, we embrace this value every day.

Our experienced and caring staff emphasizes family support and involvement, healthy lifestyle habits and traditional Dena’ina culture.

The center’s no-fee services are open to Native and non-Native children, regardless of household income:

Early Head Start – This home-based program serves pregnant mothers and children up to age 3.

Head Start – This classroom preschool program is for children age 3 to 5 by Sept. 1.

After-school Program – Eligibility is based on Head Start alumni status or Alaska Native/American Indian, and is open to children in kindergarten through third grade.

Children enrolled at Kuya Qyut’anen have access to dental and health screenings, nutrition services and many daily activities. We also offer programs for children with special needs.

Many of our Head Start students have gone on to graduate high school and pursue secondary education, milestones of which we are very proud.

We also are a participant in the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program, allowing us to serve nutritious snacks and meals to students.

Locations: