If you are parent you know exactly what challenges you face in terms of finding affordable and appropriate child care for your child, but there are options out there if you are willing to look for it.

If you took one peek into Dee's Child O'Rama. You'll see a place filled with love and learning. "These parents trust me with their child's welfare not just their well being but their welfare, whatever they do, whatever they say, whatever they learn, relates to what they learned out of this house," said Desiree Thomas, who runs the center.

Things are no different at Hillcrest Children's Center, where the emphasis is on preparing young kids for success. "Their brain is taking in everything that's going on around them, so you want to create an environment where that is all positive, that they are being exposed to different sites and sounds and texture, and word development and math," said Christina Eubanks, the director at Hillcrest Children's Center. "In those early years they are laying the base of trust and social understandings, language development, all the things you need to have in place before you can begin academic learning," said Bonny Headley, an assistant professor of early child development for UAA.

There are similar programs around town like Hillcrest's and Dee's Child O'Rama but the problem for most parents lies in actually getting their child in. Out of 40 thousand kids under the age of six, right now there is only 25 thousand spaces available in

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childcare, early education, and preschool facilities. "In particular its very hard to find space for infant and toddlers, school aged kids, care for children who are experiencing special needs," said Candace Winkler, the CEO of Thread, which provides services free of charge for families statewide about early care and education programs.

Thread serves 58 Alaskan communities and over 7,600 families. "We really like to work with families and try to get them to think through all of the components of what's going to be the best fit for their child and their family so when they make that first selection that selection sticks, and they don't get into a child care breakdown where they are going to one program to the next," said Winkler.

"Do what I did, write a list out of the things you want for your child and a caregiver," said Michele Poole, who is a mother of three year Hannah. Michele took advantage of Thread's free services in finding the best fit for her daughter. "I did the pros and cons of each thing and I found the exact place that is perfect for my daughter, and I think any parent would be able to find what they are looking for if they do the same." "You have to advocate for yourself and you have to advocate for your children," said Eubanks. "It's a huge business, but it's a big important expense in families who have young children," said Headley.

For more information about thread please go to our links page. You can also get your chance to speak out about childcare and early childhood issues October 6th in a public hearing sponsored by Senator Bettye Davis. The step up for kids in Alaska forum will be held at the Anchorage legislative office from 4 to 6 pm.

To contact the Newsroom, call 907-274-1111.