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Tanaina is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) organization independent of the University of Alaska Anchorage though housed on the UAA campus. Since incorporation in 1979, Tanaina's families, staff and the board of directors have worked together to strengthen this early childhood program; as a child care service for student families, employee families, and the Anchorage Community; and as an observation and practicum site for UAA and other community programs.

Tanaina recognizes every child as an individual- growing and learning at her/his own rate with special interests, strengths, and needs. Because a concept is best understood after it has been presented in various forms and experiences by as many of the child's senses as possible, most individual and group activities are planned and designed to be self-directed.

Optimum learning and growth must be predicated on the whole child. We attempt to meet social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs through the environment that fosters an integrated approach to learning. The curriculum is designed to be open-ended and successful for each child.

At Tanaina we believe that early education apart from the home is only a supplement to the influence of the family. It is Tanaina's goal to involve the family in a significant manner. We welcome your involvement and encourage you to be a part of the planning and implementation of your child's indiviudal program!