NICCA Joins National Working Group to Shape the Future of Child Care in America

A new national effort to transform child care in the United States is underway—and Tribal voices will be part of shaping what comes next.

Members of Congress have officially launched the Child Care for America Working Group, a coordinated initiative focused on developing comprehensive child care legislation ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The working group is led by Senators Elizabeth Warren and Patty Murray, alongside Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, and brings together policymakers, advocates, and field leaders to reimagine how child care is funded, structured, and delivered across the country.

• Read the about the launch on Notus

• Read the official press releases from Senator Warren and Senator Murray's offices. [linked to each name]

NICCA is honored to participate in this working group, ensuring that Tribal child care systems—and the families they serve—are meaningfully represented in the development of federal policy.

Why This Matters for Tribal Child Care

For too long, national child care policy has been designed without fully accounting for the realities of Tribal communities. Tribal child care systems operate within distinct governance structures, cultural frameworks, and community priorities. They are not simply smaller versions of state systems—they are sovereign systems with their own authority, innovation, and strengths.

This working group represents an opportunity to shift that dynamic.

By bringing Tribal expertise into the legislative development process from the outset, there is a meaningful opportunity to:

• Ensure policies reflect Tribal sovereignty and self-determination

• Address longstanding inequities in funding and access

• Recognize the full spectrum of care in Tribal communities, including relative and community-based care

• Build systems that align with culture, community, and local decision-making

 

NICCA’s Role

NICCA’s participation is grounded in one core principle: Tribal child care must be shaped by Tribal voices.

Through this working group, NICCA will:

• Elevate the experiences and priorities of Tribal CCDF administrators and providers

• Bring forward data and stories directly from Tribal communities

• Advocate for policies that support flexible, community-driven solutions

• Ensure that Tribal child care systems are not an afterthought, but a foundational part of national policy design

This is not just about inclusion—it is about leadership.

Looking Ahead

The Child Care for America Working Group signals a renewed national focus on child care as essential infrastructure. As policy conversations move forward, NICCA will continue to engage, advocate, and ensure that Tribal child care systems are fully recognized, resourced, and supported.

We will also continue to keep our community informed and engaged as this work evolves.

Because the future of child care in this country must include—and be shaped by—Tribal nations.