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Cover Image of Tribal Child Care And Development Fund: Guide for New AdministratorsTribal Child Care And Development Fund: Guide for New Administrators

Table of Contents (This document is also available in PDF and Word format.)

 

Appendix A: Getting Started as a New Administrator

Now that you’ve reviewed the basics of running a tribal CCDF program, here are some actions you can take to help you reach your goals for meeting the child care needs of the children and families in your tribal community. Tips for next steps and resources are included in italics.

  1. Review the most current CCDF Plan your Tribe has submitted. If a copy is not readily available, you may wish to contact your ACF Regional Office to obtain a copy. Connect with your ACF Regional Office so you can be sure to receive federal updates, guidance, and information. See Federal CCDF Contacts and Resources in Appendix B.
  2. Connect with the Tribal Fiscal Office and review the program budget to ensure that it can support the activities described in the current CCDF Plan. Be familiar with timelines for funding and reporting. See Funding and Fiscal Reporting Timelines in Appendix C.
  3. Review program management policies and procedures and update as needed.
  4. Review the timelines for public hearings, market rate surveys, and other requirements. See Tribal CCDF Dates to Remember in Appendix F.
  5. Get to know the needs of the families who are using child care services and those who may need services.
    1. Is there a current community needs assessment? If your Tribe operates a Head Start program, review their community assessment. If you decide that a new community assessment needs to be conducted, review the suggestions in Chapter 2 of Tribal Child Care Facilities: A Guide to Construction and Renovation, available on the TriTAC website.
    2. Are child care services accessible and affordable, and do they provide a level of quality to ensure the developmental needs of the children are met?
    3. Do the available programs and services meet the needs of working families?
    4. Are families active partners in CCDF program planning and implementation?
    5. Do families have the information they need to make the best decisions for their children’s care?

  1. Get to know the child care providers and other early childhood programs in the community.
    1. Are the services meeting the needs of infants, toddlers, pre-kindergarten, and school-age children so that they can develop to their fullest potential?
    2. Do the programs and services incorporate native culture and language to preserve cultural heritage, traditions, and linguistic continuity?
    3. What is needed to recruit and retain a high quality child care workforce?
    4. Is there a professional development plan that enables child care staff and providers to increase their knowledge and competencies?
    5. Is the subsidy rate paid available through contracts or certificates adequate to ensure that families that need care have available and affordable care?
  2. Keep current on new information and resources to support tribal child care. Visit the webpages for the Child Care Bureau (http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/ccb/) and TriTAC (http://nccic.acf.hhs.gov/tribal) to find resources such as policy guidance, Effective Program Strategies, frequently asked questions (FAQs), and a list of all tribal CCDF Grantees.
  3. Build partnerships with other tribal, state, and community programs that serve children and families. Take advantage of opportunities to network and share ideas, successes, and challenges with other tribal CCDF administrators. Participate in local, state, regional, and national child care conferences and training activities.
  4. Take time to renew your spirit and energy. Your health, strength, and wellness are vital to you, your family, and the children and families you work to support. By being physically and emotionally healthy, you will not only strengthen your ability to work on behalf of children and families, you will also model the wellness you wish to see in your staff, your clients, and your community.

<< Previous Page | Table of Contents | Appendix B. Federal CCDF Contacts and Resources >>