News & Events

Please join this Administration for Children and Families (ACF) webinar to learn about approaches to integrating Native language and culture into tribal early childhood programs. Evidence shows that tribal early childhood development programs are likely to be more effective, and yield additional benefits, when they integrate their community’s culture, language, and values. Connection to language, culture, and their Native identity supports American Indian and Alaska Native children’s learning and development and promotes protective factors in young children and their families. Culturally grounded approaches that incorporate language teaching, traditions, and participation in cultural events are therefore a critical component of high-quality tribal early childhood programs and a foundation of educational sovereignty for tribal nations. There are many approaches to integration of Native language and culture, including cultural adaptations and enhancements to evidence-based curricula, language immersion classrooms, and educational approaches that are grounded in Indigenous worldviews and ways of being.

During this webinar, participants will hear an overview of issues related to integrating Native language and culture into tribal early childhood programs, followed by a panel highlighting innovations and promising practices being implemented in tribal communities. Participants will then be able to learn more about and discuss highlighted strategies with peers and hear about resources they can use in their own communities and programs.

This webinar is part of a series of webinars on topics related to implementation and coordination of early childhood programs in American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. Resources and recordings from the webinar series are available at the link below.