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0:42

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
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.

Walter AlaskaNewsby Walter AlaskaNews3mo ago2 min read
Anchorage
Cover image for article: Anchorage day cares say a grant cut could force them to close