
Vicki Longleather
104:26 - 105:09
"operational grants are the most flexible funding source available to all providers, allowing us to respond to the greatest challenges that we're facing, whether that's staffing, utilities, rent, or keeping parent fees affordable. They have the broadest impact and gives us the most flexibility. Now, capital funds are valuable, but they don't— they're not the ones that keeps the light on or retains staff or makes things more affordable for people. And as a provider, we might close due to the lack of operational dollars."
“operational grants are the most flexible funding source available to all providers, allowing us to respond to the greatest challenges that we're facing, whether that's staffing, utilities, rent, or keeping parent fees affordable. They have the broadest impact and gives us the most flexibility. Now, capital funds are valuable, but they don't— they're not the ones that keeps the light on or retains staff or makes things more affordable for people. And as a provider, we might close due to the lack of operational dollars.”
- Speaker
- Vicki Longleather
- Timestamp
- 104:26 – 105:09
- Community
- Alaska News
- Location
- Anchorage
- Captured at
- July 21, 2026
From the transcript
Like, the operational grants are the most flexible funding source available to all providers, allowing us to respond to the greatest challenges that we're facing, whether that's staffing, utilities, rent, or keeping parent fees affordable. They have the broadest impact and gives us the most flexibility. Now, capital funds are valuable, but they don't— they're not the ones that keeps the light on or retains staff or makes things more affordable for people. And as a provider, we might close due to the lack of operational dollars. So in my opinion, operational grants are the most equitable because every provider can use them to meet the day-to-day costs that they need in their program regardless of what program they are.
Related Coverage
Anchorage day cares say a grant cut could force them to close
Anchorage child care providers warn they may close if the city's Child Care and Early Education Fund cuts operational grants from $2.4 million to $765,000 in its 2027 budget.
