Summer is the perfect time for children to cool off in pools, splash pads, lakes, rivers, and sprinklers. Water play encourages physical activity, builds confidence, and creates joyful memories. But even shallow water can pose serious risks for young children, making water safety one of the most important topics for families and early childhood providers during the summer months.

Share Your Story: Help Strengthen Our Living Resource of Tribal Child Care and Early Learning

Every child deserves the opportunity to discover a book that reflects their experiences, celebrates their identity, and inspires a lifelong love of reading

Story time is a simple, powerful way to build language, connection, and a love for learning in Tribal child care settings.

At NICCA, we believe every Tribal child care program holds powerful stories of resilience, innovation, and love for Native children. That’s why we created Connecting Our Programs—a national storytelling effort to uplift the voices, experiences, and visions of Tribal child care and early learning leaders.

In early learning settings, love is shown through consistency, care, and connection. When providers respond with warmth, encouragement, and respect, children feel safe, valued, and supported. Everyday interactions—big and small—help build trust, confidence, and a strong foundation for healthy development.

Big feelings are part of everyday family life. This resource introduces the I Notice, I Feel, I Can approach to help parents and children build emotional awareness and healthy coping skills together.

Children who are shy or slow to warm up bring valuable strengths into early learning spaces. This blog explores practical, culturally responsive strategies Tribal child care providers can use to support confidence, belonging, and healthy social development.

Supporting independence in early childhood helps children build confidence, responsibility, and resilience. This blog shares practical, developmentally appropriate strategies Tribal child care programs can use to foster autonomy while maintaining safe, nurturing environments.

Loose parts play uses simple, open-ended materials—often natural, found, or upcycled—to spark creativity, problem-solving, and imagination. When children explore loose parts freely, they build independence, strengthen cognitive skills, and discover countless ways to investigate their world.