A quality child care and learning center providing a fun and engaging environment for rural Alaskan youth.

Nestled in the heart of Alaska's Interior, Denali Preschool & Learning Center (DPLC) is more than a childcare center—we're a community. As the only state-licensed childcare center that also houses a certified preschool serving the Denali Borough, we provide high-quality, affordable early childhood education while supporting the families who live and work in one of Alaska's most beautiful regions.

Operated by the Early Learning Coalition, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, DPLC has proudly served the Denali Borough since 2008. We welcome children from Healy, Anderson, Cantwell, McKinley Village, Denali Park, and surrounding communities, providing a safe, inclusive, and play-based environment where children learn through exploration, creativity, and meaningful relationships.

Our classrooms are filled with art, music, storytelling, outdoor adventures, science exploration, and plenty of opportunities for children to learn through play. Whether we're gardening, taking a walking field trip, visiting the local library, or celebrating Alaska's unique seasons, we believe childhood should be full of discovery and wonder.

Working at DPLC means becoming part of a close-knit team that values kindness, collaboration, and continuous learning. We invest in our employees through mentoring, paid training opportunities, and professional development, helping educators grow their careers while making a lasting difference in the lives of children and families.

Childcare is essential to the health of our community. By supporting working families and helping children build strong foundations for lifelong learning, every member of our team plays an important role in strengthening the Denali Borough.

If you're looking for meaningful work, an incredible community, and the opportunity to live and work near one of the world's most spectacular national parks, we'd love to welcome you to DPLC.

Working at Denali Preschool & Learning Center is an opportunity to become part of a close-knit team that's making a meaningful difference in the lives of children, families, and our rural community.

As a small nonprofit, every team member plays an important role. We work together, support one another, celebrate successes, and step in to help wherever we're needed. Collaboration, kindness, flexibility, and open communication are at the heart of our workplace culture.

Our days are filled with laughter, creativity, curiosity, and fresh air. Whether you're reading stories, exploring outdoors, creating art, gardening, singing songs, or helping a child master a new skill, every day brings new opportunities to learn alongside the children in our care.

We believe our employees deserve the same support and encouragement that we provide to our children. That's why we invest in mentoring, professional development, paid training opportunities, and career pathways that help educators grow personally and professionally.

Working in early childhood education can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. There is nothing quite like watching a child's confidence grow, celebrating developmental milestones, or hearing an enthusiastic "Miss!" or "Mr.!" as they run to greet you each morning.

If you're looking for meaningful work, supportive coworkers, and the chance to make a lasting impact while experiencing life in one of Alaska's most extraordinary communities, we'd love to welcome you to the DPLC family.

At Denali Preschool & Learning Center, we're looking for people who genuinely enjoy working with children and want to make a positive difference in a small rural community.

Our ideal team member is kind, patient, dependable, and enthusiastic. They understand that every day in early childhood education is different and are ready to jump in wherever they're needed. Whether helping a toddler learn a new skill, reading stories to preschoolers, building forts outdoors, or comforting a child who needs a little extra encouragement, they approach each day with compassion, creativity, and a sense of humor.

Successful team members are:

• Passionate about supporting children's growth through play, exploration, and positive relationships.

• Flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment where teamwork is essential.

• Comfortable spending time outdoors in Alaska's ever-changing weather and excited to embrace all four seasons.

• Strong communicators who value collaboration with coworkers and families.

• Reliable, responsible, and committed to maintaining a safe, nurturing environment for every child.

• Eager to learn and grow professionally through training, mentoring, and new experiences.

Previous experience working with young children is wonderful, but it isn't required. We are happy to train individuals who bring a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine passion for helping children thrive.

Living and working in rural Alaska is a unique adventure. The best candidates embrace community life, enjoy the outdoors, appreciate small-town connections, and are excited to contribute to something meaningful. At DPLC, every team member plays an important role in supporting local families and helping build strong foundations for the next generation.

DPLC does not have housing available on premise, but we are able to connect prospective candidates with local housing contacts.

Folks looking for housing in the Denali Borough often use the following local community Facebook pages: Healy, Healy Homes, Rentals, & Real Estate, and McKinley Village People.

Working at Denali Preschool & Learning Center means joining a supportive team while living in one of Alaska's most incredible destinations. We believe in investing in our employees and creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and inspired.

Employee perks may include:

🌲 Work in close proximity from the entrance to Denali National Park.

📚 Paid training, mentoring, and professional development opportunities.

🎓 Career pathway support for early childhood education credentials and certifications.

🤝 Supportive, collaborative team culture.

🌼 Opportunities to help shape innovative programs, outdoor learning experiences, and community events.

❤️ Meaningful work that directly supports children, families, and the local community.

🏡 Assistance connecting employees with local housing opportunities when available.

🏔️ The chance to live, work, and explore Alaska while making a lasting difference every day.

At DPLC, you're not just accepting a job—you're becoming part of a community dedicated to helping children thrive and supporting the families who call the Denali Borough home.

Denali Preschool & Learning Center is located in Healy, Alaska, approximately 120 miles south of Fairbanks and 12 miles north of the entrance to Denali National Park.

The Denali Borough is a rural area with no public transportation, rideshare services, or regular taxi service. Daily errands such as grocery shopping, banking, medical appointments, and exploring the area are much easier with independent transportation. Having your own reliable vehicle is strongly recommended and is the best way to enjoy living and working in our community

During the winter months, road conditions can include snow and ice, so employees should be comfortable driving in changing weather conditions or be willing to learn. Many local residents drive year-round without issue by planning ahead and using appropriate winter tires.

Living in Healy offers the opportunity to experience a close-knit community while enjoying the independence and adventure that come with life in rural Alaska.

Life in the Denali Borough is all about embracing the outdoors and enjoying the incredible beauty of Alaska. Many employees, seasonal and year-round residents, spend their free time exploring Interior Alaska, with weekend trips to Fairbanks, the Alaska Range, Talkeetna, Chena Hot Springs, and other iconic destinations.

On your days off, you can:

🏔️ Explore Denali National Park and Preserve.

🥾 Hike miles of scenic trails with breathtaking mountain views.

🚲 Bike local roads and trails.

🚣 Paddle, raft, or float local waterways.

🫐 Pick wild blueberries, cranberries, and other seasonal berries.

📸 Photograph wildlife, the Northern Lights, and spectacular landscapes.

🌻 Garden under Alaska's long summer daylight.

🎿 Cross-country ski, snowshoe, or snowmachine during the winter months.

🎉 Attend community events like the Fourth of July Parade, local festivals, farmers markets, and holiday celebrations.

Healy may be a small town, but it has a vibrant and welcoming community. During the summer, you'll find local restaurants, coffee shops, a brewery, a community library, fitness opportunities, and plenty of neighbors who quickly become friends. Winter brings a quieter pace of life, with cozy gatherings, community events, and opportunities to enjoy Alaska's snowy beauty. When you're ready for a change of scenery, Fairbanks is just a two-hour drive north, while Talkeetna and Anchorage make great destinations for weekend getaways, offering additional dining, shopping, entertainment, and outdoor recreation year-round.

Whether you're seeking adventure, quiet evenings under the midnight sun, or the chance to experience authentic Alaska, you'll discover that life in the Denali Borough is unlike anywhere else.