National Indian Child Care Association
About National Indian Child Care Association
The National Indian Child Care Association represents a unified voice for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian child care and early learning communities. Operating from Ramona, Oklahoma, NICCA serves as the only nationally organized grassroots alliance bringing together Tribally-governed and operated child care programs, fostering collaboration and mutual support among Tribal leaders and practitioners. Established in 1993, the organization has grown to serve Tribal communities across the nation, recognizing that strong child care systems are foundational to Tribal sovereignty and cultural continuity.
At its core, NICCA's mission centers on promoting high-quality, culturally relevant child care and development while unifying Tribes through leadership, support, and advocacy. The organization understands that each Tribal community has distinct needs and aspirations for their children, which is why NICCA emphasizes collaborative approaches that respect Tribal self-determination. By bringing Tribal communities together through professional development events, peer-to-peer learning forums, and advocacy initiatives, NICCA strengthens the bonds between programs and amplifies the collective voice of Native child care providers. The association's vision—Tribal communities coming together to nurture and empower children to lead the future—reflects a deep commitment to intergenerational healing and the preservation of Indigenous cultures. NICCA members and allies share a common purpose: ensuring that Native children have access to exceptional early learning experiences rooted in their cultural heritage and community values.