Hillcrest Children’s Center

Family.
Inclusiveness.
Quality.

Hillcrest Children’s Center provides affordable, high-quality early childhood services to Alaskan families.

Founded in 1968, Hillcrest has been a part of Alaska’s families for over 40 years.

CORE OPERATING PRINCIPLES

Open Enrollment

Hillcrest uses a Guaranteed Start when filling openings, which allows families to know for certain when they are able to start at Hillcrest. By proactively filling future openings, we avoid the uncertainty of a waitlist. As soon as you have decided that Hillcrest is the place for your child(ren), we will sit down with you and tell you the projected time the next opening will take place in the age/developmental level group of your child(ren).

Quality Food Program

At Hillcrest Children’s Center, we are proud participants in the CACFP, providing well-balanced, nutritious meals and snacks prepared by our in-house chef. We prioritize nourishing every child with the food they need to thrive, ensuring their growth and learning come first. Our focus is on quality and taste, and not just meeting serving size requirements, at Hillcrest every child enjoys a positive meal experience and never goes hungry.

DIRT (Outside Play)

At Hillcrest, getting in the dirt is an essential part of our philosophy! We believe in open-ended play, encouraging children to use their senses to explore their environment and learn from it. We spend time outdoors every day, rain or shine, snow or cold, allowing kids to fully engage with the wonders of nature. While your children may come home a little dirty, our parents often say that’s how they know they’ve had a good day!

HILLCREST BASICS

ADDRESS: 900 Hollywood Dr, Anchorage, AK 99501
OPEN HOURS:
7AM – 6PM | Monday – Friday
PARENT NIGHT OUT
2nd Saturdays from 3PM to 9PM
$60 for 1 child | $80 for 2
HOLIDAY CLOSURES:
New Years Day, Sewards Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day + the following Friday, & Christmas Day
INSERVICE DAYS:
Friday before Memorial Day, Friday before Labor Day, & 1 Friday in October.
AGES: 6 weeks to Kindergarten
CENTER DIRECTOR:
Christina Eubanks Ohana | BA in Sociology with a focus on child studies | Over 25 years of childcare experience in Alaska.
TUITION:
0-36 Mos | $1850 per month
37 Mos & Up | $1600 per month
FOOD PROGRAM:
Hillcrest’s food program provides healthy family-style breakfast, lunch and afternoon snacks for all children. We work with families to accommodate dietary restrictions. We provide Kirkland Formula & support families who supply their own breastmilk or alternative formula.
CONTACT: 907-272-9924

WHY OUR PARENTS CHOOSE HILLCREST

Hillcrest has become the village for me and my family. Raising kids in today’s world “takes a village” of diverse passionate people who want to make a positive change in the world. I believe Hillcrest is the pebble in the pond that starts the waves of change. In each day and every interaction with my children, they show them love, kindness, bravery, humbleness, gentleness, independence, togetherness and confidence.
Jessica Simonsen Hillcrest parent & Board President
The reason Hillcrest is such an amazing place is because of the teachers and staff who have made a commitment to provide the best child care possible. The teachers who care for our children treat them like they are family. They provide guidance, care, love and support as if our children were their own…From the hours of operation, the food program, parents’ night out, to the focus on social growth and outside play – Hillcrest is committed not only to the growth and development of our children but is also committed to ensuring parents are able to balance that ever tricky weight between being a parent and maintaining full-time employment.
The Zeman Family Hillcrest Family & Donor
“I want you to think about what Hillcrest means to you and your family. For our family, we see tiny hands building kingdoms with wood blocks and playgrounds turned into mud pie kitchens. We see imaginations growing and huge, little hearts overflowing as they nurture their baby dolls during circle time. And if I’m being completely transparent, we look inward and see two parents inspired every day by Hillcrest’s values and philosophy.”
The Medina Family Hillcrest Family & Donors

WHAT SETS HILLCREST APART

We prioritize quality in our programming through evidence-based practices, continuous improvement, and a commitment to safety and integrity.

At Hillcrest, we recognize that early childhood is the foundation of your child’s life. We create a nurturing space for children to develop a strong foundation, understanding that the way they are spoken to shapes their internal dialogue. With consistent, loving caregivers, children learn that the world is a safe place where they matter.

Our commitment to inclusiveness ensures equity and diversity, affirming each child and family’s full potential. We meet individuals where they are, respecting their unique dynamics and providing access for all, regardless of economic status, language, culture, or ability.

Our in-house mental health consultant and staff coach provide continuous support and education to our staff so that they are more responsive, confident, and prepared to meet the individual needs of all the children in their classroom. This results in our children having a positive school experience and success in school and life.

At Hillcrest, our staff embodies a rich diversity. We have both male and female educators from various countries and backgrounds, bringing a wealth of cultural perspectives and speaking multiple languages. Our team includes experienced teachers who have been with us for years, some for decades, ensuring a strong blend of continuity and fresh ideas. This diversity enhances our learning environment, enriching the experiences of every child.

We believe in the importance of exploration through play, both in our natural dirt play yard and with curated classroom materials that teach concepts like cause and effect and other STEM principles.

At Hillcrest, our core values guide everything we do. We foster a family atmosphere where comfort, community, and parent involvement create a nurturing environment—a true home away from home.

At Hillcrest, our program aims to cultivate a foundational love of learning, and develop each child’s head, heart, and hands to foster a positive self-identity.