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NAEYC Accredited · Est. 2000 · Fairbanks, Alaska

Growing Hearts,
Minds, and Faith.

A Christ-centered Child Development Ministry serving families
across interior Alaska for over 25 years.

0
Years Serving Families
0
Licensed Capacity
Varies
Student-Teacher Ratio
NAEYC
Nationally Accredited
Children learning in a warm Alaska classroom

Our Approach

Developing the
Whole Child

We believe every child deserves to grow in heart, mind, body, and spirit — in a safe, predictable, and loving environment rooted in Christian values.

Literacy, early mathematics, and science are woven into natural, hands-on activities. Children learn by doing — through field trips, experiments, and creative exploration that sparks genuine curiosity.
Trained educators foster kindness, confidence, and curiosity. Predictable routines help children feel secure, and small class sizes ensure every child is truly known and celebrated.
Daily prayer, Bible stories, and weekly pastoral visits from Zion Lutheran nurture faith in every child. Our Christ-centered mission welcomes families of every background with open arms.
Daily outdoor play and structured movement build motor skills and resilience — even in the Alaskan winter. We believe a healthy body supports a healthy mind.
Art, music, and imaginative play are not extras — they are essential. We celebrate each child's unique gifts and encourage them to express who God made them to be.

What We Offer

Programs for Every Stage

From 6 weeks to 12 years old, we walk alongside your family every step of the way.

Investment

Tuition Rates

Monthly rates for 2025-26. Hours of operation: Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.

6 weeks – 12 mo

Infant

$1,500/mo
12 – 18 mo

Wobbler / Mobile Infant

$1,350/mo
18 mo – 3 yrs

Toddler

$1,260/mo
3 – 5 yrs

Preschool

$1,035/mo

School Program

Before- and after-school care for school-age children, with optional transportation.

Program With Transportation No Transportation
Before School Only (7:00 AM – 9:15 AM) $295.00 $235.00
After School Only (2:30 PM – 5:30 PM) $375.00 $300.00
Before & After School $675.00 $575.00
Drop-in fee, full non-school day (currently enrolled) $35.00 per day

Summer Program

Summer school-age program with full days of activities, field trips, and meals.

Summer Program
$848/mo
Activity Fee
$100
Registration
$25

Meals included with tuition

  • Breakfast — 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM
  • Morning snack — 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
  • Lunch — 11:15 AM to 12:30 PM (depending on age group)
  • Afternoon snack — 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM (depending on age group)

Rates corrected 8/29/2025. A non-refundable annual registration fee applies at enrollment. Inquire about enrollment →

Plan Ahead

2026 Calendar

Important dates, closures, and program transitions for the year ahead.

Closed / Holiday
Program Start / End
Registration Opens
Early Close

The People Behind the Mission

Meet Our Dedicated Staff

Our educators are passionate, trained professionals who show up every day with warmth and purpose.

Family Stories

What Families Are Saying

"
★★★★★
"Finding Open Arms was one of the best decisions we've made as a family. From day one, Sherry and the infant team made our daughter feel completely at home. The security system gives us real peace of mind, and the Christian environment is exactly what we were looking for in Fairbanks."
SM
Sarah M.Infant Parent · Fairbanks, AK
★★★★★
"My son has grown so much here — academically, socially, and spiritually. Miss Carol and Mr. Jacob genuinely know every child in their room. He comes home singing Bible songs and excited about what he learned. As a working parent, that peace of mind is everything."
JT
James T.Preschool Parent · Fairbanks, AK
★★★★★
"We moved to Fairbanks for a Fort Wainwright posting and were nervous about finding childcare on short notice. Open Arms welcomed us like family immediately. The staff went above and beyond to make the transition smooth for our kids. We are so grateful for this community."
RF
The Rodriguez FamilyMilitary Family · Fort Wainwright
★★★★★
"Tina and the administration team have been so communicative throughout our enrollment process. The NAEYC accreditation really shows in the quality of the curriculum. Our daughter is thriving in our preschool room — her vocabulary has exploded this year!"
LP
Linda P.Preschool Parent · Fairbanks, AK
Children at lunch at Open Arms

Join Our Family

Secure Your
Child's Spot Today

Enrollment spots fill quickly. Complete this form and our team will reach out within one business day to discuss availability and next steps.

Enrollment Inquiry

Non-refundable annual registration fee: $70/child · $130/family

🔒 Your information is private and never shared. We'll respond within 1 business day.

No spot available right now? Join the waitlist →

Common Questions

We're Here
to Help

Can't find your answer? Give us a call or send us a message and we'll get right back to you.

Get in Touch
Yes — due to high demand for quality childcare in Fairbanks, many of our programs maintain a waitlist. We encourage families to inquire as early as possible. Submitting an enrollment form above secures your place in line and our team will contact you as soon as a spot becomes available.
Absolutely not. Open Arms welcomes families of every background, faith tradition, and walk of life. While our environment is rooted in Christian values — daily prayer, Bible stories, and character development — we serve the whole Fairbanks community, including military families, and students of all ethnicities and beliefs.
NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditation is the gold standard in early childhood education. It means our curriculum, teacher qualifications, classroom ratios, health and safety practices, and family engagement all meet rigorous, research-based national standards — well beyond Alaska's basic state licensing requirements.
Open Arms participates in the USDA Food Program, which ensures all children receive nutritious, balanced meals throughout the day. The Before & After School program includes breakfast and afternoon snacks. Charles, our Cook, oversees daily meal preparation with care and consistency.
Our facility features a secure keypad entry system at all entrances. Only authorized staff and pre-approved family members can access the building. This system, combined with our low student-teacher ratios, ensures every child is accounted for and supervised at all times.
The annual registration fee is $70 per child or $130 per family. This fee is non-refundable and is required at the time of enrollment to secure your placement. Monthly tuition rates vary by program — please contact our office for the current tuition schedule and to discuss subsidy eligibility.
Now Hiring

Join Our Team

Build a career that matters.

Join a caring team that makes a difference every day in the lives of children and families across interior Alaska.

Be part of something meaningful.

Open Arms is a Christ-centered ministry where educators support, nurture, and inspire children every day. We invest in our staff because they are the heart of what we do.

  • NAEYC-accredited learning environment
  • Continuing education & training support
  • Tight-knit, mission-driven community
  • Faith-rooted, family-friendly culture
Apply Now Or download the printable PDF application

Open Positions

FT Classroom Teacher Assistant (Opener)
7:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Mon–Fri
FT Classroom Teacher Assistant (Closer)
8:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Mon–Fri
PT Front Desk (Opener)
6:45 AM – 9:00 AM · Mon–Fri
PT Classroom Support (Openers)
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM · Mon–Fri
PT Classroom Support (Breakers)
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Mon–Fri
PT Classroom Support (Closers)
3:00 PM – 5:00 PM · Mon–Fri
PT Bus Driver
8:15 AM – 9:30 AM & 3:00 PM – 4:15 PM · Mon–Fri
Kitchen Manager
6:00 AM – 1:00 PM · Mon–Fri
Other ways to apply: Email a completed application to landrews@openarmsfairbanks.org or cingram@openarmsfairbanks.org, or drop one off at our Front Desk during normal office hours.

Find Us

Come Visit Open Arms

Get in Touch

Address
2980 Davis Road
Fairbanks, AK 99709

Hours of Operation

Monday – Friday7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday – SundayClosed
Major HolidaysClosed