A Message From The Office of Tribal Relations: DCYF Updates

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A Message From the Office of Tribal Relations

May 28, 2021

June is National Reunification Month

camp
  • Family Reunification Celebration – Small Grants. Tribes are eligible for this funding opportunity available through the Federal Court Improvement Program grant funds managed by the Administrative Office of the Courts to support Family Reunification Celebrations in Washington State.
  • The Children’s Bureau Child Welfare Information Gateway also offers resources, practices, and strategies that support family reunification efforts in child welfare.  
  • Camp to Belong Washington (pictured above) reconnects siblings, strengthens ties, and gives hope and happy memories at camp and other sibling reunification events. Camp and activities are free. This year, camp will take place June 20-25 at Miracle Ranch in Port Orchard.

Job Opportunities

DCYF Office of Tribal Relations:
Region 4 ICW Consultant/Tribal Liaison (closes June 2)

DCYF: 
Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator Project Facilitator

Group Health Foundation:
Administrative Associate
Communications Manager
Grants and Data Administrator

Puyallup Tribe of Indians:
CPS Investigator
CPS Supervisor/Intake

United Indians of All Tribes Foundation: 
Daybreak Star Doulas Program Manager
Outdoor Preschool Teacher


Farm to ECE Success Stories: Featuring Suquamish Tribe

Explore stories to learn more about how champions across Washington State have built and grown farm to ECE programs in their communities. Read the stories here.


Updates from DCYF

outdoor preschool

Washington Becomes First in the Nation to License Outdoor, Nature-Based Child Care

Washington is now the first in the nation to permanently license outdoor, nature-based child care for preschool and school-age children under a new law signed by Gov. Jay Inslee.

Senate Bill (SB) 5151 authorizes DCYF to license outdoor, nature-based child care programs that enroll preschool or school-age children, teach a nature-based curriculum, and provide daily nature-based learning experiences for at least half of the day. 

Read More

drum making kits

Tribal ECEAP During COVID-19: Suquamish Tribe

The Suquamish Tribe Marion Forsman-Boushie Early Learning Center ECEAP set up modified services to support families when the program determined the need to suspend in-person services because of COVID-19. 

Suquamish ECEAP faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and found new ways to meet the educational and cultural needs of each family in their program.

Read More


Emergency Broadband Benefit Gives Internet Discount to Qualifying Families

The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) provides a discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households (and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands).

Families and households are eligible if they receive Medicaid, SNAP, or other public benefits, are school lunch eligible, are already in the Lifeline program, receive Pell education grants, or have lost jobs and income during COVID-19. 

More eligibility information is available at getemergencybroadband.org/do-i-qualify.   


Seeking Nominations to Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee

The Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OPSI) is currently seeking nominations to fill vacancies in the following categories:

  • Tribal West (two vacancies)
  • Urban/Rural East and At-Large
  • Parent (two vacancies)
  • Tribal Compact School

If you have any questions, please contact joan.banker@k12.wa.us.

Learn More


Upcoming Events

  • June 7, 8, and 9, 11 a.m. to Noon. Native American Fatherhood and Families Association Webinar Series. The primary goal is to promote fathers and mothers to take the lead in keeping their families together. Register here.
    • June 7 Topic: Addressing Family Violence and Abuse.
    • June 8 Topic: Fatherhood is Sacred/Motherhood is Sacred.
    • June 9 Topic: Linking Generations by Strengthening Relationships.
  • June 10, 6 p.m. Puget Sound Treaty War Panel, Part II. Learn more and register here.
  • June 24-25. 17th Annual Native Women's Leadership Forum. Register here.
  • June 29, 9 a.m. to Noon. Center for Children & Youth Justice Third Annual eQuality Convening. Registration is open and the virtual event is free. Register here.
  • July 19-23. The (Virtual) Tribal Early Childhood Research Center Summer Institute. Early Childhood Research with Tribal Communities. Summer Course & Scholarship Opportunity. For more information, contact Chelsea Wesner or Anna Sundbo
    • Course Description: The course is designed for individuals interested in pursuing research and/or evaluation related to American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) early childhood programs such as Head Start, Home Visiting, and Child Care, including those who are current tribal early childhood program directors and staff, health and education professionals and paraprofessionals, and others interested in tribal early childhood development and research. It will explore methods and theoretical approaches to early childhood development research in tribal contexts to support early childhood programming. It will also provide an overview of the unique aspects of research with tribal communities, such as the history of research in tribal contexts, the incorporation of traditional ways of knowing, and community-ngaged approaches. The course is appropriate for those who have not had any formal research training and those who have some experience but would like additional training specific to early childhood. 
    • Scholarship Opportunity: A limited number of scholarships are available to cover the cost of tuition for this course. Individuals who are currently working with American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, or other Indigenous Head Start, Home Visiting, Child Care, or other early care and education programs are strongly encouraged to apply. Scholarship eligibility and application information is available here. Applications are due June 11.
  •  July 20, 21, and 22. Native Knowledge 360° Virtual Teacher Institute. The Power, Authority, and Governance of Native Nations: Understanding United States Federal Indian Policies. A Webinar Series. Register here.