Alaska's Head Start Preschool Closes Due to Teacher Shortage

The federally funded program, vital for many families, struggles to compete with higher-paying jobs in retail and school districts.

The closure impacts the Meadow Lakes center, which had a waiting list and full classrooms.
Parents and grandparents relied on Head Start for educational support and personal growth.
Teacher shortages are driven by better pay in retail and local school districts.
Head Start enrollment has dropped significantly over the past decade, partly due to staffing issues.
The closure leaves fewer early learning options for low-income families in rural Alaska.