Alaska Reads Act

Early Education Programs

The years before kindergarten are critical in laying the foundation for literacy. High-quality early education programs promoting skills in all five development domains are a crucial part of laying this foundation. Supporting overall development during the preschool years sets the stage for reading and other success in later stages of development.

The Alaska Reads Act directs the Alaska Department of Education & Early Development (DEED) to implement three early learning components:

1. Alaska Early Education Program Standards
   The Alaska Early Education Program Standards provide a framework for preschool programs operated by school districts. The framework promotes children’s developmental growth for later success in school.
   
   
2. Early Education Program Grant (EEP Grant)
   The Early Education Program Grant provides resources to districts that are not adequately served by Head Start and other quality early care and education programs.
   
   Applying for the EEP Grant is voluntary and grant funds can be used to develop a preschool program in a school district where none exists or to expand and improve an existing preschool program. Up to $3 million will be awarded to districts each year with the understanding that eligible districts with lowest performance will be prioritized.
   
   
3. Foundation Formula Funding at 0.5 ADM
   DEED uses the application for Early Education Program Approval and 0.5 ADM/Formula Funding to identify districts who have implemented the EEP Standards. Once identified, districts are eligible to count four-and five-year old students in the district’s average daily membership (ADM) that determines Foundation Formula funding. Funding will be granted at a rate of 0.5 ADM for each eligible four- and five-year-old student.

Click here for a more comprehensive introduction

Use the above links for application information and lists of current EEP Grant and 0.5 ADM Funding recipients.

Parents as Teachers

Additionally, the Alaska Reads Act provides requirements for the Parents as Teachers program. DEED partners with the Department of Health to administer the Parents as Teachers (PAT) program. This home-visiting program is for parents and their children who are ages birth to 5-years. PAT is an evidence-based program that supports parents in understanding and supporting their child’s changing development. This program enhances school readiness while partnering with parents.