Tribal Early Learning Initiative

Current as of:
Yellowhawk Child

A Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI) is a partnership between tribal communities and ACF designed to:

  • Better coordinate tribal early learning and development programs, including child care, Head Start, preschool, home visiting, and other services
  • Create and support seamless, high-quality early childhood systems
  • Raise the quality of services to children and families across the prenatal-to-kindergarten-entry continuum
  • Identify and break down barriers to collaboration and systems improvement

From 2012 to 2017, the Administration for Children and Families (ACF) partnered with eight tribes to carry out a Tribal Early Learning Initiative (TELI). Since the conclusion of the TELI, in nation-to-nation consultation, tribes have continued to indicate an interest in new TELI efforts.

The new TELI offers tribes the opportunity to use Tribal Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) program funds to support coordinated child care and early childhood services and systems in their communities. To read the latest on the TELI, including current opportunities to apply, visit the About TELI tab.