Early Childhood Development

Current as of:
Early Childhood Development Image for Sacred Little Ones.

A Native Early Childhood Development Initiative 

The Administration for Native Americans values the importance of early childhood development in promoting the optimal growth, development, and well-being of Native children and families. Through our grant funding and engagement, ANA seeks to enhance nurturing early childhood experiences and healthy development during their critical early years. Healthy development means that children of all abilities can grow up having their social, emotional, and educational needs met. 

Our commitment to Native Early Childhood Development is incorporated into our Strategic Plan (PDF):

Goal 3. Become a visible and effective strategic thinker and advisor on Native American policy matters throughout HHS and ACF. ANA will include Native Early Childhood Development (ECD) as a policy priority in 3 ways: 

  1. Outreach to Native Programs. Provide information to internal and external partners, including Native ECD providers and educators, about the value and importance of early childhood development in Native communities, available resources or support services, and the specific early childhood development focused work of ANA funded grants/community partners. 
  2. Native ECD Policy and Capacity Building. Increase ANA’s knowledge of the policies that impact ECD in Native communities, the social and economic value of ECD and language development, and the drivers and detractors of healthy development, as well as the breadth of ACF and HHS services that support Native ECD, with the objective of advocating for ECD investments in Native communities.
  3. Engage with Internal and External Partners on Native ECD Strategies and Services.  Collaborate and strategize with key partners to ensure a coordinated and integrated approach to providing ECD services to Native communities. Key partners include government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community partners throughout Native communities.

The Way Forward Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children

Congress directed the Commission on Native Children to conduct a comprehensive study of and make recommendations for improvements to the programs, grants, and supports available for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian children. The Way Forward Report of the Alyce Spotted Bear & Walter Soboleff Commission on Native Children  (PDF) completes Congress’ charge to the Commission.  We were honored to be Congress’ stewards in listening to Native communities across the country describe their vision of what will support communities, children, and youth into the future. Building on Native values and strengths, the Commission offers this report with deep respect for the culture and traditions of Native people, acknowledging that Tribes and Tribal organizations have created successful approaches that can and should be scaled and supported to fulfill their potential.

Read the Way Forward Report  (PDF)