The CCDBG Act includes several provisions that increase the need for close coordination between states and tribes in implementing their CCDF-funded child care services. Under the new law, states must do the following:

• Collaborate and coordinate with tribes in their state in a timely manner in the development of the CCDF Plan (at the tribes’ option). [1] States must also be proactive in reaching out to tribal officials for collaboration and are required to describe in their Plans how they collaborated and coordinated with tribes.
• Ensure that required training and professional development offerings are accessible to CCDF child care providers supported through Indian tribes or tribal organizations and, to the extent practicable, appropriate for American Indian and Alaska Native-children. [2]
• Describe in their CCDF Plans how they coordinate services with a number of different groups, including tribal early childhood programs, in order to expand accessibility and continuity of care, and to help children receive full-day services. [3]
• Demonstrate how they are encouraging partnerships among other entities, including tribes and tribal organizations, to leverage existing service delivery systems for child care and development services, and to increase the supply and quality of child care services. [4]

In addition to the required areas of coordination, states are encouraged to engage in government-to-government dialogue and collaboration with tribes as key stakeholders in all aspects of their CCDF program development and implementation.

[1] CCDBG Act of 2014 658D(b)(1)(E); Child Care and Development Fund, 45 C.F.R. § 98.44(b) (2016).

[2] CCDBG Act of 2014 658E(c)(2)(G)(ii); Child Care and Development Fund, 45 C.F.R. § 98.14(a)(1) (2016).

[3] CCDBG Act of 2014 658E(c)(2)(O)(i); Child Care and Development Fund, 45 C.F.R. § 98.14(a)(1) (2016).

[4] CCDBG Act of 2014 658E(c)(2)(P).