A Milestone for Native Children: New Federal Bill Reflects NICCA’s Early Childhood Recommendations
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has released a landmark legislative proposal—the Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025—that reflects years of advocacy and input from Native communities, including direct recommendations from the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA).
This sweeping draft bill builds on the work of the Commission on Native Children and outlines a coordinated federal response to the needs of American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. It spans health, education, workforce, housing, and child welfare, with the goal of eliminating systemic barriers and upholding the federal government’s trust and treaty responsibilities to Native youth.
At the heart of this proposal is a powerful recognition: supporting Native children means strengthening early childhood systems and the workforce that serves them. NICCA is proud to have worked alongside the Senate Committee to help shape provisions that directly address these foundational needs.
Centering Early Childhood in Federal Policy: What’s in Title IX
Title IX – Improving the Workforce for Families is a major section of the bill that incorporates several of NICCA’s recommendations. It includes targeted reforms to the Child Care and Development Block Grant (CCDBG), improvements to Tribal consultation practices, and new federal mechanisms to elevate Tribal voices in early childhood policy.
Here’s what’s included:
🔹 Section 901: Strengthening the 477 Program
This provision updates the Indian Employment, Training, and Related Services Act (commonly known as the 477 Program) to expand the list of eligible programs Tribes can include in a 477 plan. It also clarifies administrative requirements to streamline funding, reduce fragmentation, and give Tribes more flexibility to integrate services like workforce development, education, and child care.
Why it matters: Tribal child care programs often navigate multiple, disconnected funding streams. Strengthening 477 allows them to braid these resources in ways that better meet local needs—particularly for parents seeking both employment and care.
🔹 Section 902: Increasing the Tribal Set-Aside in CCDBG
This section raises the current Tribal set-aside in the Child Care and Development Block Grant from “not less than 2%” to “not less than 5%.”
Why it matters: This change reflects a long-standing call by NICCA and others to bring Tribal funding closer to parity. While Native children make up a larger percentage of those eligible for care, the current allocation has not kept pace with need or population growth.
🔹 Section 903: Embedding Tribal Consultation in CCDBG
This provision would require formal Tribal consultation as part of CCDBG administration—bringing it in line with requirements in the Head Start Act. It also specifies that consultation must include Tribes, Native Hawaiian organizations, linguists, early childhood experts, and the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA).
Why it matters: Tribal consultation must be more than a check-the-box exercise. This provision helps ensure that policies reflect Indigenous knowledge, language, and early learning traditions—centered on those closest to the children.
🔹 Section 904: Creating an Early Childhood Tribal Advisory Committee
This section would establish a Tribal Advisory Committee (TAC) on Early Childhood within the Office of Early Childhood Development at HHS. The committee would offer ongoing recommendations on culturally grounded care, equitable access, early childhood data collection, and Tribal consultation practices.
Why it matters: This creates a permanent federal mechanism to ensure Tribal voices guide national policy—not just during crisis or reform efforts, but as a sustained commitment to self-determination and partnership.
NICCA’s Role in Shaping the Bill
NICCA was honored to work in partnership with the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs to provide recommendations that helped shape Title IX of this bill. Drawing from decades of experience supporting Tribal child care and early learning programs across the country, NICCA’s input focused on:
Equity in funding and access
Workforce development in Native communities
Streamlined, flexible administration of federal programs
Culturally grounded care and language revitalization
Elevating Tribal authority in federal early childhood policy
This is a significant milestone—and a reflection of what is possible when federal partners listen to Native voices.
What’s Next: Review and Respond by September 12
The legislation is currently in draft form, and the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is requesting feedback from Tribal leaders, program staff, and community members.
📬 Submit feedback by September 12, 2025 to:Murkowski_Outreach@Indian.Senate.Gov
NICCA strongly encourages early childhood program leaders and stakeholders to review the draft—particularly Title IX—and submit your feedback to help shape the final version of this bill.
Why This Moment Matters
The Native Children’s Commission Implementation Act of 2025 represents a rare and urgent opportunity to embed Tribal values, leadership, and knowledge into the federal systems that touch Native children’s lives.
This bill reflects what many in our community already know: that early childhood is the foundation of strong Nations, and that honoring that truth requires investment, partnership, and respect.
NICCA is proud to stand with Tribal programs, leaders, and families as we shape this future—together.
For more information, technical assistance, or support preparing your feedback, contact us.