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New HHS CCDF final rule rescinds several 2024 child care requirements, restoring greater flexibility for States, Territories, and Tribal Lead Agencies administering CCDF programs.

This week, NICCA joined Tribal leaders, state leadership, and education partners at New Mexico’s Government-to-Government Indian Education Summit to discuss the future of Native education and early childhood systems. As states across the country look for ways to better support Native children and families, New Mexico is emerging as a national example of what becomes possible when investment, flexibility, and government-to-government partnership come together intentionally.

A new federal working group is shaping the future of child care policy—and Tribal voices are at the table. NICCA joins national leaders to ensure Tribal child care systems are represented, respected, and built into the foundation of what comes next.

The Caddo Nation Child Care Center stands as a declaration of resilience and self-determination—combining culturally rooted design, environmental stewardship, and community vision to support Native children and families.

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

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

This month’s NICCA Member Highlight features the Chickasaw Nation’s School-Age Summer Program, where children built skills in cooking, gardening, and wellness through the Impa’ Kilimpi’ (Strong Food) initiative.

Stay up to date with the latest Child Care in the News.

Stay up to date with the latest Child Care in the News.

The Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI) helps Tribal communities strengthen early childhood systems by aligning programs like child care, Head Start, preschool, and home visiting. The 2026–2028 cohort will emphasize food security and nutrition. CCDF Lead Agencies can join by indicating interest in Appendix 2 of their Tribal Plan.