National Indian Child Care Association (NICCA)

06/17/2026

The draft agenda for the 2026 NICCA National Conference is now available!

Start exploring session topics, planning your conference experience, and getting ready to join us in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, for Ka Mana O Nā Keiki: The Strength of Our Children, the Future of Our Nations.

Please note that the agenda is a working draft and will continue to be updated as conference details are finalized.

View the agenda and register today: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oqmWjqIsFfVq0y_AONlyxCA7PvWG9461/view

We look forward to seeing you in Hawaiʻi!

06/16/2026

Books have the power to strengthen identity, inspire learning, and bring communities together. The Indigenous Library Program is helping expand access to culturally relevant books by providing free Little Free Library packages to Indigenous communities across the United States and Canada. Through Indigenous stories and voices, these libraries create opportunities for literacy, connection, and cultural celebration.

We're proud to highlight the Indigenous Library Program as a valued NICCA member and resource for Tribal communities. Learn more about their work and the impact they are making through Indigenous-centered literacy initiatives.

https://littlefreelibrary.org/programs/indigenous-library-program/

05/19/2026

New Mexico is showing what’s possible when tribes and state leaders partner intentionally to support Native children and families. Read how government-to-government collaboration, thoughtful investment, and flexibility are reshaping Tribal early childhood systems — and why it matters for the whole nation. https://wix.to/UgDYZf8

This week, NICCA joined Tribal leaders, state leadership, and education partners at New Mexico’s Government-to-Government Indian Education Summit to discuss the future of Native education and early childhood systems. As states across the country look for ways to better support Native children and ...

05/19/2026

✨ Join us today at 3:00 PM Eastern for NICCA’s Tribal CCDF Administrator Call! ✨

This open forum is designed for Tribal CCDF Program Administrators and Managers to connect, discuss program challenges, share ideas, and support one another in strengthening Tribal child care programs.

These calls are free and intended to build relationships, encourage collaboration, and serve as a resource for program development.

We hope to see you there! https://www.nicca.us/events-1/tribal-ccdf-administrators-third-tuesdays-2026-05-19-14-00

05/13/2026

Haven’t joined NICCA yet? There’s still time this FY! 🌿

NICCA membership connects you with training opportunities, member resources, advocacy efforts, networking, and a community committed to supporting Tribal child care and Native children nationwide.

We’d love to have you with us! Sign Up Now: https://www.nicca.us/join-nicca

04/22/2026

📣 Call for Educators!

Are you passionate about shaping the future of early childhood education? Consider applying to serve as an Educator Member on the Commission on Professional Excellence in ECE.

This is an opportunity to be part of a collective effort to strengthen and support the ECE profession nationwide.

🗓️ Deadline to apply: April 27, 2026
🔗 Learn more and apply:

Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.

04/21/2026

Tribal CCDF Program Administrators and Managers are invited to join NICCA for our next CCDF Admin Call TODAY, on March 17 at 3 PM EST!

This free virtual gathering is a space to connect with fellow Tribal leaders, discuss program challenges, share ideas, and support one another in strengthening Tribal child care programs. These conversations help build relationships ano create a network of support for those doing this important work in our communities.

Come listen, share, and learn alongside other Tribal CCDF leaders.
April 21, 3 PM EST
Free to attend | Registration Link: https://www.nicca.us/events-1/tribal-ccdf-administrators-third-tuesdays-2026-04-21-14-00

03/27/2026

NICCA is joining a national effort to shape the future of child care in America!

The new Child Care for America Working Group is bringing leaders together to build federal child care legislation—and Tribal voices will be part of that conversation.

✨ This matters.

Tribal child care systems are sovereign, community-driven, and rooted in culture. They deserve a place in the solutions being built.

We’re honored to represent Tribal child care and ensure our communities are not just included—but helping lead the way forward.

Link to read the full article: https://www.nicca.us/post/nicca-joins-national-working-group-to-shape-the-future-of-child-care-in-america
Link to learn more: https://www.notus.org/congress/progressives-launch-child-care-for-america-working-group-ahead-of-2026-midterms