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Policy and Advocacy
Legislative Updates, Advocacy Tips, Policy Changes
What Is a Continuing Resolution—and What Does It Mean for Tribal Early Learning and Child Care?
A Continuing Resolution (CR) is a temporary funding measure Congress uses when it has not finished passing the full set of annual federal appropriations bills by the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.
Nov 133 min read


New Resource: Home Visiting Cost Model Helps Programs Understand True Costs
Prenatal to Five Fiscal Strategies (P5FS) has launched the Home Visiting Cost Model (HVCM)—an interactive tool that helps programs understand the true cost of delivering home visiting services. The model includes customizable options for staffing, training, and benefits, with cost estimates available for all states, territories, and 36 Tribal Nations.
Nov 102 min read


NICCA at NCAI: Standing Strong for Our Children and Cultures
At the 2025 NCAI Annual Convention, NICCA will take the main stage and lead a breakout session celebrating Tribal child care as a foundation of sovereignty, culture, and community. From advocating for CCDF as a tool of self-determination to sharing hands-on ways to weave Native traditions into early learning, NICCA continues to stand strong for our children—the strength of our Nations.
Oct 222 min read


New Mexico Leads the Nation with Universal, No-Cost Child Care
New Mexico is making history as the first state in the nation to offer no-cost universal child care for all families—regardless of income—beginning November 1. This groundbreaking investment will save families an average of $12,000 per child each year and strengthen the early childhood workforce through higher wages, expanded access, and targeted growth for infant and toddler care. By centering equity, community, and sustainability, NM is setting a new national standard for w
Oct 73 min read


Meet NICCA at the NCAI 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace
NICCA will be at the NCAI 82nd Annual Convention & Marketplace in Seattle, November 16–21, 2025. While there, we invite Tribal child care and early learning leaders to share their stories with us as part of Connecting Our Programs: A Living Resource of Tribal Stories and Strategies. This is your opportunity to uplift your community’s voice, highlight your program’s strengths, and contribute to a resource that celebrates the diversity and resilience of Tribal child care across
Sep 222 min read


NICCA Submits Feedback on the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025
The National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) is committed to ensuring that Native children and families have access to...
Sep 123 min read


A Milestone for Native Children: New Federal Bill Reflects NICCA’s Early Childhood Recommendations
The Senate has released a draft of the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025. NICCA helped shape key early childhood provisions, including increased Tribal child care funding, formal consultation requirements, and a new Tribal Advisory Committee. This is a vital opportunity to strengthen systems for Native children and families.
Aug 203 min read


Understanding the Senate Budget Bill: Impacts on Tribal Communities and the Nation
Major Senate proposals could reshape Medicaid, taxes, and Tribal programs—learn what’s at stake and how to share your story.
Jun 303 min read


Child Care in the News: Rising Attendance in Home-Based Programs, Policy Setbacks, and the Power of Educator Voice
Stay up to date with the latest Child Care in the News.
Jun 82 min read


New Tool Helps Track Federal Funding for Children and Youth Services
Explore a new tool to find and track federal funding for children and youth services—now searchable by state and program category.
May 212 min read


