Clare Swan Early Learning Center

The Clare Swan Early Learning Center (CSELC) applies the strengths of the Early Head Start educational model to support the needs of working families beyond simple child care.

 

The center uses a research-based Early Head Start curriculum emphasizing the importance of responsive and caring relationships to support the optimal development of Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) infants and toddlers ages 6 weeks – 3 years. Classrooms feature a 1:4 teacher-children ratio supporting a focused learning environment. CSELC also supports families’ goals by providing information and periodic assessments to track a child’s development through critical stages of growth and encouraging families to participate in their child’s education.

Supports the optimal development of Alaska Native/American Indian children ages six weeks to three years of age through culturally responsive, research-based practices and curriculum in an Early Learning setting. CSELC offers several options for working parents with both seven- and 10-hour classroom options, including a Yup’ik Immersion multi-age classroom within the center.

 

The center offers two classroom program options:

  • Extended-day classrooms (open 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.) for parents working full time or attending school full time
  • Seven-hour classrooms with a variety of classroom times, including a Yup’ik Immersion program for children ages 0 – 3, featuring full-day Yup’ik language instruction

 

The La’a Kenu program promotes and strengthens kindergarten preparedness among Alaska Native/American Indian children, providing families with children ages three to five years of age with culturally responsive child development practices while increasing literacy in the home.

 

 

Clare Swan center offers Alaska Native/American Indian individuals the opportunity to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential as a key step on the path of career advancement in early childhood education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The center’s Tsil’qu program offers trauma-informed support and training for staff, parents, and Alaska Native and American Indian families.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We encourage and welcome families to visit the center between 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. for a tour.

Contact us for information about enrollment, to schedule a tour, discuss specific educational questions, or for general inquires.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Applications are available digitally, or you may apply in person at the center. All program options fill up quickly and families are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.

 

Active TANF and Child Care Assistance participants are encouraged to apply to our year-round, Monday – Friday early childhood program.

CONTACT FOR

CLARE SWAN EARLY LEARNING

907-793-3626

info@cswan.org

 

Clare Swan Early Learning Center
800 Northway Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508

 

USDA Nondiscrimination statement

Training Our First Teachers Program

Child Development Associates (CDA)

Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a nationally recognized credential that is the foundation of career advancement in early childhood education.

 

Alaska’s People manages the training program and participants are paid $17 per-hour while completing the training and classroom experience needed to earn a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential.

 

Participants will receive

  • culturally responsive direct instruction
  • coaching
  • classroom experience (applicable to the six hundred hour program.)
  • employment navigation support
  • professional skills
  • job placement support

How To Apply

Applicants for our teacher training program must:

  • Fill out an application
  • Submit three letters of recommendation
  • Must pass Background Check & Fingerprinting
  • Must be 18 years & Older
  • Have a High School Diploma

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement