Preparing for the End of the Child Care Data Tracker: What Tribal Programs Need to Know
- Apr 11
- 3 min read
For more than a decade, Tribal child care programs across the country have relied on the Child Care Data Tracker to meet their CCDF data reporting needs. It has been a dependable tool—though not without its limitations. And now, the Child Care Data Tracker is being phased out.
For many, this shift brings up big questions:
What happens to our data? What system will we use next? What options do we have that truly reflect the unique needs of Tribal child care programs?
At NICCA, we believe that change—while challenging—also creates space for growth and innovation. As we move toward the sunset of the Data Tracker, we are committed to ensuring that Tribal programs are not only supported during this transition but are equipped with tools that uphold Tribal sovereignty, meet compliance needs, and streamline service delivery.
Why the Child Care Data Tracker is Ending
The Office of Child Care (OCC) announced that the Child Care Data Tracker has been retired. This decision reflects the evolving data needs of Tribal child care programs and the growing demand for more modern, customizable systems. According to OCC, the decision to sunset the Tracker was based on three primary factors:
The system is outdated and cannot keep pace with the changing needs and structures of Tribal programs.
More advanced and tailored systems now exist, offering improved functionality, better user experience, and stronger data integration.
Ongoing maintenance and updates to the Tracker are no longer sustainable, making continued use increasingly challenging for programs and the federal government alike.
While the retirement of the Data Tracker has created uncertainty, it also opens the door for Tribes to transition to more flexible, secure, and comprehensive data solutions that better reflect the way you operate and serve your communities.
What Tribal Programs Need in a New Data System
The next generation of Tribal data systems needs to reflect more than just federal compliance checkboxes. It should:
Support Tribal decision-making and self-determination
Simplify case management and reporting
Offer real-time data insights that help programs improve services for children and families
Ensure data ownership and control remains with the Tribe
OneTribe CCA: Built with and for Tribal Child Care
Intertribal Software’s OneTribe Child Care Assistance (CCA) system is one of the most promising solutions emerging to meet this moment. It was designed with Tribal partners to reflect how Tribal programs work—not just how federal systems are structured.
OneTribe CCA supports the full range of CCDF activities, including:
Eligibility and enrollment
Provider management
Payment processing
Reporting for ACF and other funding sources
It also allows for customization, integrates secure cloud technology, and ensures that Tribes retain full ownership of their data.
Let’s Talk About What’s Next—Join Our Webinar Series
We know that every Tribal program is at a different place in this transition. Whether you’re just beginning to explore your options or are already evaluating new systems, we invite you to join us for a special three-part webinar series hosted by NICCA and Intertribal Software.
Session 1 // The End of Child Care Data Tracker: What It Means For You
With support ending in September 2024 and Microsoft updates stopping in 2025, tribal CCDF programs need a reliable, future-proof solution. OneTribe Child Care Assistance automates reporting, streamlines payments, and enhances data security. Designed specifically for tribal agencies.
Session 2 // A Deep Dive into OneTribe Child Care Assistance: The Next Data System for Tribal Child Care
As Tribal child care programs look to transition from the retiring Child Care Data Tracker, OneTribe Child Care Assistance (CCA) offers a solution designed in close partnership with Native communities. In this session, we’ll take a deep dive into how OneTribe CCA works, explore its features, and walk through how it supports program administration, compliance, and reporting. With a focus on sovereignty, security, and usability, OneTribe CCA provides a future-forward approach to managing child care assistance data. Whether you’re considering a new system or want to know what makes OneTribe different, this webinar will answer your questions.
Session 3 // A Conversation with Current OneTribe CCA Users: How Tribes are Tracking their Child Care Data
What’s it really like to use OneTribe CCA? In this roundtable-style webinar, we’ll sit down with current Tribal users to hear their experiences firsthand. Learn how they made the switch, what challenges they overcame, and how the system is helping them manage their data more effectively. From day-to-day tasks to big-picture strategy, these programs will share insights that can help you decide if OneTribe CCA is right for your community. Come with your questions—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
