From March 11–13, 2025, we had the privilege of hosting the NICCA Leadership Institute at the Hyatt Regency in Herndon, VA. It was an inspiring and productive three days where 16 attendees, representing 4 states and 9 different tribes, came together to explore and strengthen the vision for their early learning services. The Institute provided an essential space for Tribal leaders and child care administrators to collaborate, share insights, and build upon their expertise in early childhood education systems.
The NICCA Leadership Institute was designed to empower our attendees by offering dedicated time to work on the development of their Tribal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) Plans, which are due in July 2025. Together, we dove deep into the opportunities available to create comprehensive supports for children and families in Tribal communities. This focus on early care and education systems building will be crucial in helping leaders enhance their programs and services moving forward.
We were thrilled to have an exceptional team of facilitators who brought invaluable knowledge and experience to the table. Michelle Key (Chickasaw), our NICCA Board Chair and Executive Officer of Child Development for the Chickasaw Nation, Sarah Sand (Bear River Band of the Rohnerville Rancheria), NICCA Board Member and Director of Education, Childcare, and Library Services, Christy Clinton, Project Manager for the Chickasaw Nation, and Sandra Manuel, Director of Family Assistance for the Chickasaw Nation, led the sessions. Their expertise, combined with their passion for Tribal child care, created an engaging and impactful learning environment.
A key highlight of the Institute was the opportunity for leaders to network and engage with their state counterparts in government and advocacy. In collaboration with the Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP) and the National Women’s Law Center (NWLC), we held joint sessions with state child care administrators and advocates. These sessions allowed for meaningful conversations around the unique challenges and opportunities in Tribal child care and early learning, while also fostering partnerships that will continue to support Tribal communities long after the Institute concluded.
For those interested in advocacy, we also scheduled advocacy hill visits. These visits gave participants the chance to connect directly with lawmakers, ensuring that Tribal priorities are heard and represented at the federal level.
The NICCA Leadership Institute was a great success, full of information sharing, knowledge exchange, and relationship-building. We’re proud of the progress made during these three days and are excited to see how the connections and strategies developed will continue to strengthen Tribal early childhood education across the country. We look forward to building on the momentum of this event and continuing to support our Tribal communities in the work ahead.