The National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA) recently submitted comments supporting a proposed regulatory change to the Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program that would expand eligibility criteria for Tribal Nations. This change would grant Tribal Lead Agencies greater flexibility to serve Indian children based on community-defined criteria, regardless of family income or assets, supporting a model that respects Tribal sovereignty and meets the unique needs of Native communities.
NICCA commends the Administration for aligning CCDF eligibility with recent updates to Tribal Head Start, which removed income eligibility barriers. This alignment reduces administrative complexity and supports a cohesive approach to early childhood education for Tribal families. The proposed change aligns with Executive Order 14112, promoting accessibility, equity, and flexibility in Federal funding for Tribal Nations.
In their comments, NICCA emphasizes the following benefits:
Self-Determination: This change empowers Tribal Nations to tailor programs based on community needs, strengthening Tribal sovereignty.
Accessibility: Removing income barriers increases program access for Indian children, particularly in communities facing financial challenges.
Program Alignment: By aligning CCDF with Tribal Head Start, the rule reduces administrative tasks and enhances service delivery.
Community-Based Solutions: Tribes are best positioned to decide how to serve their people, and this flexibility supports their autonomy.
NICCA urges a swift finalization of this rule, viewing it as a significant step toward ensuring accessible, high-quality early childhood care and education for all Indian children.
Download comments: Federal Register (Pending)
Download submitted comments: NICCA