Alaska

Overall Policy Lever Score

3

Alaska supports early childhood leadership through its state-wide QRIS, public pre-K program, and principal licensure. Directors of licensed programs are required to complete 24 clock hours of professional development annually, but are not required to have college credit in early childhood education/child development or program administration. Alaska offers an early childhood administrator credential (ECAC I) but it does not require a degree or any college credit in early childhood/child development or program administration. Principals must have a graduate degree and three years teaching experience. A principal endorsement is required of school-based pre-K programs. There are three principal preparation programs offered at two universities, but no early childhood leadership degree programs.

Interesting Facts: Alaska

  • Alaska is the largest state in the United States and shares the smallest number of center directors with Wyoming.

  • Alaska implemented its statewide QRIS, Alaska Learn & Grow, in July, 2016.

  • The Alaska SEED (System for Early Education Development) includes a registry to track individual career development.