Wrangell Sentinel -

More than two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, parents across Alaska are still struggling with long wait lists, high costs and limited capacity at child care centers.

Federal grant funds administered by the state and a child care nonprofit are helping providers cope with financial struggles and staff retention. However, the money is available only to licensed child care facilities — which Wrangell does not have.

But help may be coming later this year. The state plans to distribute federal money as community grants to help new providers start up operations, said Stephanie Berglund, CEO of thre...