Childcare Center Opened at Anchorage Church
3 Elements Educare has launched at the First United Methodist Church to serve 82 children.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Child Care
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3 Elements Educare officially opened in downtown Anchorage on October 1, 2026. The new facility, located at the First United Methodist Church, provides care for up to 82 children.
Why it matters
The facility is part of the Community Childcare Network, which aims to mitigate the closures of childcare providers across Alaska by centralizing administrative tasks like finance and IT to reduce overhead.
3 Elements Educare offers capacity for 82 children at its new downtown site. This opening arrives as about 25% of childcare providers across Alaska have shuttered since 2019.
The players
3 Elements Educare
This newly opened childcare facility operates out of the First United Methodist Church in downtown Anchorage.
Community Childcare Network
This organization centralizes administrative, financial, and training functions for childcare providers to improve operational stability.
The details
The Community Childcare Network supports participating centers by handling food distribution, human resources, and staff training through an apprenticeship program. This model allows staff to rotate between centers, including locations in Eagle River and the Mat-Su Borough, to address operational needs.
Timeline
2019 marked the beginning of a period observing childcare center closures across Alaska.
The Boys and Girls Club center in Anchorage closed at the end of 2025.
3 Elements Educare opened to families on October 1, 2026.
Culture Shift
The launch of this facility reflects a move toward centralized administrative models in the childcare industry to combat widespread provider closures. By sharing resources, these centers seek to stabilize a sector long plagued by low profit margins and high administrative overhead.
Families in downtown Anchorage now have access to 82 additional childcare spots, helping to fill a gap left by recent center closures like the Boys and Girls Club. Parents can expect the network model to create more consistent service through centralized staff training and support.
The takeaway
Centralizing administrative burdens can help small childcare providers navigate the rising costs that have led to significant industry attrition. Collaborating with networks may provide the financial security needed to keep vital community services open for families.
Further reading
Learn more about local initiatives in the Child Care section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Alaska Public Media.
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