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Celebrating 40 Years by Giving Back: Join thread’s $40 for 40 Years Campaign

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Celebrating 40 Years by Giving Back: Join thread’s $40 for 40 Years Campaign

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A gift of $40 honors each year of thread’s work advancing early childhood education in Alaska. Whether you choose to give $40, $400, or another amount meaningful to you, every contribution helps strengthen the systems that support children and families statewide. Donate Now | thread

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Donate Now | 40th Anniversary Campaign by thread

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thread is turning 40!For 40 years, thread has worked alongside families, early educators, and communities across Alaska to strengthen early childhood education and sup…

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thread Celebrates 40 years with paperchains at the Southeast Childhood Collective (SCC) Conference in Juneau!

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thread Celebrates 40 years with paperchains at the Southeast Childhood Collective (SCC) Conference in Juneau!

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Saralyn, thread's Child Care Assistance Local Administrator, Vanessa, thread Professional Development Specialist, and Candice, thread' s Marketing & Communications Director, pose with a 40-link paper chain to celebrate thread's 40 anniversary in Juneau.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Juneau.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Juneau.

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Jenny, thread board member, Stephanie, thread CEO, Tracey, thread's Community Services Manager, and Nick, thread's Public Policy Manager joined the thread community in Southeast Alaska for a free crepe, at Alaska Crepe Escape to celebrate thread's 40th anniversary.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Fairbanks.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Fairbanks.

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Educators, families, partners, donors, and community members visited thread in Fairbanks to enjoy corn dogs and make paper chains to celebrate thread's 40th anniversary.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Anchorage.

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thread turns 40: A statewide Celebration & Feast in Anchorage.

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Families, educators, and community members joined thread at our Anchorage office to celebrate 40 years. Guests enjoyed free hot dogs from Yeti Dogs, made paper chains, and visited with staff in the sunshine.

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Honoring 40 years of Thread’s support for Alaskan communities 

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Honoring 40 years of Thread’s support for Alaskan communities 

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40 years of thread! 🎉 It’s awesome to see the impact thread has had supporting children, families, and early educators all across Alaska. Glad to be part of the celebration. I’m sharing a photo of my paper chain that I made for this anniversary and looking forward to what’s ahead and the continuing work across Alaska.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Childcare assistance

Crystal Aken

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Congratulations to Thread on its 40 years!

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Congratulations to Thread on its 40 years!

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“My name is Cristina Balsimelli, I am the administrator from MI CASA ES TU CASA (Spanish Immersion Program Preschool and achildcare). I want to thaks to you (THREAD) for your continuous support, guidance, and care for childcare providers in Alaska. Your help means so much to us and our communities. We truly appreciate everything you do. In the picture are some of our childrens and my two teachers asistants, your support has been essential to maintain open our program with the same staff during the our first 5 years serving our community. We have a solid program with experienced staff where our children are safe and surrounded by lovely enviroment.”

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This year Provider Appreciation Day is extra special as thread celebrates its 40th anniversary. As a member of thread's marketing team for 13 years, I'm so proud of the work we do to support young children and their families, teachers, and communities. I owe a special thank you to the child care professionals who have made it possible for me to work at thread. I myself have three beautiful children who were all born during my time at thread and who all benefited from the skills, love, and care of some very special educators. Thank you! -Hayley Anderson

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Working at thread offers me a valuable perspective on the extensive efforts involved in early childhood education. I take great pride in being part of a network that brings everyone together. Thread illuminates a wonderful journey where young children can learn alongside dedicated educators and receive the high-quality care they truly deserve.

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I am grateful to be given the opportunity to work at thread and be part of this mission-oriented community. I look forward to seeing thread transform early childhood in Alaska over the next 40 years... and to be part of it!

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My workspace that reminds me of my "why" after 10 years at thread. Grateful to be a part of this strong team and powerful Early Childhood field. I am honored to be a colleague, coach, mentor, sparkle sharer and friend to so many.

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It has been and honor working with the extraordinary leaders, board members, and staff, many who remain dear friends.

thread’s story is about connection, resilience, and lifting up those who care for Alaska’s youngest children.  I’m deeply grateful to have been on small thread woven into this remarkable 40 year tapestry.

-Margaret, thread Board Member

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a paperchain with purple and red shaped into a heart for thread alaskas 40th anniversary

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Wasilla Head Start. Celebrating 40 years of community partnership!

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I'm so thankful to be a part of this great organization. I've been a staff member of thread for 8 years total and it's been an amazing experience. I work with some of the most professional and positive people I've ever worked with. thread has made great impact in Alaska for children, families and early educators. I look forward to many more years of making connections and advocating for the early childhood field. thread is AMAZING and has a special place in my heart!!!

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Celebrating 40 years at the Capitol in DC

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Celebrating 40 years at the Capitol in DC

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While advocating in Washington, D.C. for Alaska’s early educators, families, and child care programs, we were proud to bring thread’s 40th anniversary paper chain to our nation’s Capitol. As we celebrated four decades of strengthening early childhood systems in Alaska, we also had the opportunity to connect the needs of our littlest Alaskans directly with federal policymakers. Alongside dedicated child care advocates and even one of our youngest Alaska advocates, we proudly elevated the importance of child care on the national stage. - Stephanie, thread CEO.

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thread celebrating our anniversary and national partnership with Susan Gale Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware of America (CCAofA). Thank you, CCAofA, for your leadership and working alongside thread to make child care strong!

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40 Years Strong--And I've Loved 34 Years of Them!

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40 Years Strong--And I've Loved 34 Years of Them!

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Working for the same company for 34 years has been an incredible journey. Throughout those years, I have had the opportunity to work in different locations, meet amazing people, and grow both personally and professionally. Each place brought new experiences, challenges, and memories that helped shape the person I am today.

As I reflect on my own 34 years with the company, it is even more special to celebrate 40 years of the company itself. Reaching this milestone speaks to the dedication, hard work, and commitment of so many people over the years. I am grateful to have been part of that journey and proud to continue contributing to a company that has meant so much to me for so long.

Congratulations on 40 years of success, growth, and community. I look forward to celebrating this milestone with everyone who has helped make it possible.

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I have said it before, & I will say it again — I’m back home here at thread!

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Working alongside the many professional, passionate, and positive people here at thread over the years has been an absolute blessing in my life. Even before officially joining the organization, the support I received as both an educator and an administrator was next-level. Those experiences inspired me to become part of the incredible work happening here and contribute in meaningful ways.

During my time at thread, I have felt immense gratitude for the opportunity to advocate for and support families, educators, programs, and communities across our state through networking and relationship building. The impact of this work is truly energizing.

As I reflect on and celebrate how far we have come in professionalizing Early Childhood Education, I am excited and eager to continue playing my part in advancing the sector — for our children, our families, our economy, and our amazing state.

Happy 40th! I look forward to continuing to celebrate together!

<3 Tracey

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Ms. Chelle's Little Schoolhouse: Anchorage, AK

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Ms. Chelle's Little Schoolhouse: Anchorage, AK

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I’m so grateful for all the support Thread has poured into my preschool program through professional development opportunities and grant support. Your investment in early childhood education truly makes a difference, not only for teachers, but for the children and families we serve every day. Thank you for helping our little schoolhouse continue to grow and thrive.

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Can’t believe thread is 40. Such a privilege to be a part of SEED, Learn & Grow and thread being an amazing vessel, advocate and leader for this work.

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Today, thread is honored to celebrate Provider Appreciation Day across Alaska and proud to share that Governor Mike Dunleavy has officially proclaimed today as Provider Appreciation Day in Alaska. This recognition highlights what we know to be true every day: early childhood educators are essential to Alaska’s children, families, and communities. Child care professionals do far more than care for children. They nurture learning, support healthy development, strengthen families, and make it possible for parents to work and communities to thrive.

Today, we celebrate the dedication, compassion, and professionalism of Alaska’s early educators, those who show up every day to help shape the future of our state.

To every child care professional across Alaska: Thank you! Your work matters. Your impact is lasting. And today, Alaska celebrates YOU!

Happy Provider Appreciation Day.

<3

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Kelly Coutsoubos, Professional Development Specialist in Anchorage. I’m here with my daughters and doggo, celebrating 40 years of thread. So thankful for the impact this organization and the people that support it have had on Alaska’s children and families! Here’s to another 40 and beyond!

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It has been a journey of blessings serving communities statewide with thread Family Services since 2009! Caring & sharing through connection with our Alaska families is what keeps us inspired. 🎊40 years of Cheer to the thread staff and Alaska families and to our dedicated Early Childhood Educators! 🎊

❤️Tamora 💜

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Sunshine Station Child Care Center

Talkeetna

We are very grateful for all the support we receive from Thread. Not only through the financial stipends, and trainings but also through their professional development specialists who continue to support and encourage our team. Their investment in our program helps us provide the best possible care and learning environment for the children and families we serve. We truly appreciate this partnership and all they do for our community! 🩵

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Anchorage Montessori School students enjoying jog-a-thon on provider appreciation day!

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Thank you, thread, for all of the support you show to programs in Alaska!

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Thread is being a good source and very supportive to the childcare community especially the Hispanic community. Thanks for being there for us.

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We are very excited to be part of this amazing community. Thank for all your support and dedication to the children in Alaska. 

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Thank you for all of the support and help you provide for families and childcare. Your resources, guidance, and dedication truly make such a big difference, and it means so much to have that support.

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I have been working with Thread for over 20 years, and I truly appreciate all the support and guidance they have provided. They are always helpful in answering my questions and addressing any concerns I may have. Thread has also supported the growth of my facility by offering valuable classes, resources, and grants that allow me to continue learning and bring new knowledge into my care. I am very thankful for Thread and everything they do.

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Congratulations to Thread Alaska on 40 years of supporting children, families, and early childhood programs across Alaska.

We truly appreciate the support, guidance, and partnership Thread has provided over the years, especially through Learn & Grow and continued advocacy for quality early childhood education. Programs like ours are stronger because of the work your team does every day.

Thank you for continuing to invest in Alaska’s children, families, and educators. We are grateful to be part of the Early Childhood Community alongside you and we look forward to the years ahead.

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For 40 years, thread has been dedicated to supporting Alaska's child care sector through education, resources, advocacy, and countless connections that strengthen our communities. I'm incredibly grateful to celebrate this milestone as part of such an amazing organization. Serving as Marketing and Communications Director is truly a job I love. Every day, I'm inspired by our leadership, our mission, and the passionate people who make this work possible. Here's to celebrating 40 years of impact and to helping tell the story of the next 40.

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Celebrating thread's 40th anniversary at the Reading Rendezvous. We made paper chains and colored. <3

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Johnson’s day care kids

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It’s hard to believe I’ve been part of thread for five years already. Working alongside such passionate, dedicated people to support Alaska’s youth and families has been incredibly meaningful. I’m grateful for the relationships, the growth, and the opportunity to be part of an organization that continues to make such a lasting impact after 40 years. Happy Anniversary, thread— I’m proud to be part of this work and excited for what’s ahead!

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Celebrating a 40 year- anniversary is a commitment and shared memories, thank you for your support , finding inspiration on our journey of learning for our children in our community.

Thanks a lot.

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Gan Yeladim wishes the best all the time!

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I’m incredibly grateful to be part of the thread team and to have the opportunity to attend events that bring our communities together. :)

Every conversation, shared story, and new connection reminds me how strong and supportive our communities are. It’s an honor to work alongside people who are passionate about creating opportunities for children and ensuring families have the resources they need. <3

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Eleven years ago, my journey began in a tiny upstairs office in Kenai. Today, I am still incredibly grateful to work alongside such a passionate and professional group of people. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the thread team. Here's to 40 more years supporting early childhood in Alaska~ Janene

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Celebrating 40 years of THREAD! Thank you for all your support and contributions…

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Grateful to be a part of this team! I'm excited to see to continue seeing the growth in our organization!

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Happy anniversary to thread!! I love working with our incredible thread team and supporting early educators, early education programs, and families statewide. Here's to another 40+ years working to advance the quality of early education and child development by empowering parents, educating child care professionals, and collaborating with our communities!

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 My professional journey has been linked to thread for years! 

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My first link to thread (formerly Child Care Connection) was in the early 2000s when I accessed their trainings while working at a crisis nursery in Anchorage. I was next connected to them for 10 years when I was the Director of an employer sponsored child care from 2008-2018. For a decade thread helped to shape me and my program through training, technical assistance, quality initiatives, Learn & Grow, ROOTS awards for staff, and consultation. In 2018 I joined the thread team and have continued to grow my leadership skills. I am eternally grateful for the support and opportunity thread has provided me and early childhood educators statewide for decades.

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It has been rewarding working and representing this organization for 17 years! Providing the State of Alaska communities with essential services, like finding child care or providing financial support to those in the early childhood education field is a social commitment at the same time a real challenge. Thank you to thread our communities are better today than 40 years ago! Congratulations! ~ Anchorage Office, Management