Introducing “Connecting Our Programs”: A Living Story of Tribal Child Care Across Indian Country

Across Indian Country, Tribal communities are leading powerful, culturally grounded efforts to care for and educate young children. Every program carries its own unique story—shaped by community, culture, tradition, innovation, and resilience.

At the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA), we believe these stories deserve to be seen, heard, and shared. That’s why we’re launching Connecting Our Programs: A Living Resource of Tribal Child Care and Early Learning Stories and Strategies.

This national project is an invitation—to share, to reflect, and to connect. Through interviews, site visits, and shared materials, we are gathering stories and strategies from Tribal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) programs to create a dynamic, searchable resource that honors the diversity of approaches across Indian Country.

What We’re Exploring

This project isn’t just about data—it’s about meaning. We’re exploring the roots, strengths, and visions of Tribal programs by listening closely to:

• Program Foundations & Purpose – How programs began and the values that guide them

• Culture & Community – The ways programs center language, tradition, and identity

• Strategies & Strengths – What’s working and what makes each program unique

• Challenges & Resilience – How programs adapt, persist, and grow

• Vision & Leadership – The dreams shaping the future of Tribal child care

• Connection & Collective Impact – How programs learn from one another and contribute to a larger movement of care

We’ll compile this information into a living online resource—a space where programs can see themselves, learn from peers, and celebrate the work being done in every corner of the country.

How to Participate

If you’re part of a Tribal CCDF program and would like to share your story, we invite you to sign up. Once you do, our team will reach out to schedule an interview and offer the opportunity to upload relevant materials, such as your Tribal Plan Pre-Print, ACF-700 Annual Report, or other documents, videos, photos, or audio recordings that represent your work.

Learn About the Project

Sign Up To Participate

All information shared will be treated with care and respect. Nothing will be published or shared beyond NICCA without your Tribe’s explicit permission.

This project is about lifting up what already exists—your work, your stories, and your vision for the future. We are honored to walk this path with you.