Ongoing Disruptions to Tribal Early Childhood Programs Raise Serious Concerns Across Indian Country

Tribal early childhood programs are experiencing significant disruption following the closure of five U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regional offices earlier this year. These closures, which affect approximately 80% of Tribal governments previously served by those offices, have introduced widespread administrative uncertainty, delayed projects, and jeopardized access to essential early learning services for Tribal children and families.

In a recent survey conducted by the National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA), Tribal early childhood leaders shared how these changes are directly impacting their operations. Among the responses, one-third of programs reported that their ACF-funded early learning or child care services have been disrupted—through paused operations, delayed construction projects, or challenges receiving timely support.

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Child Care and Early Learning Services Affected by Federal Closures and Activities

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Program Disruptions and Operational Impacts

Respondents cited several ways the closure of regional offices has hindered program operations:

• Loss of communication and support: Regular meetings with regional staff—including scheduled biweekly or monthly check-ins—ceased without notice, leaving programs without clear guidance.

• Delayed or halted projects: Construction projects, including facility upgrades and playground renovations, were paused due to a lack of available federal staff to approve amendments or applications.

• Funding delays: Some programs placed holds on activities due to delayed payments and uncertainty around funding streams.

• Terminated points of contact: In multiple cases, primary federal contacts were removed or not replaced, cutting off direct lines of communication for critical program needs.

Program Administrator Concerns

The survey also captured a wide range of ongoing concerns related to the uncertainty and loss of federal support:

• Lack of communication channels: Many respondents expressed confusion about who to contact for assistance or updates, especially with major milestones like the CCDF plan due in July approaching quickly.

• Threats to continuity of care: Administrators are worried about how to continue providing services if disruptions persist. Questions remain around maintaining Head Start and CCDF programming, including whether families will continue to have access to care at all.

• Strained community commitments: Some programs fear they may be unable to meet contractual obligations with local partners due to federal delays.

• Stalled growth and planning: Respondents noted the impact on planned expansions and infrastructure improvements—particularly concerning for new administrators working to grow their programs.

• Impact on workforce and trust: High staff turnover at the federal level and lack of consistent communication have made it difficult to build the trusted relationships essential to effective partnership.

• Equity and access: One program noted their intention to waive income requirements to support more families—an initiative now stalled amid uncertainty.

What Comes Next

Tribal early childhood programs are calling for stability, communication, and continuity. As the federal FY2026 budget process continues, and amid proposed cuts to Head Start, Early Head Start, and CCDF, Tribal leaders, CCDF administrators, and Tribal citizens must advocate to ensure programs remain operational, children receive care, and families are supported.

📢 How to Stay Informed and Engaged

• Provide feedback on how your programs have been impacted by taking our 2-minute survey.

• Reach out to your Members of Congress to share the impact of child care and early learning programs, including CCDF and Head Start, in your community. Download NICCA's Advocacy Handout that includes a template for messaging your Congressional Member.

• Visit www.nicca.us for policy updates and advocacy tools.

• Follow NICCA on social media for real-time updates and community stories: Facebook  |  X  |  Instagram  |  LinkedIn

NICCA will continue to elevate your voices and advocate for responsive federal engagement with Tribal early childhood programs.

Please reach out if you need assistance or would like to share your story.