By ECD Leadership
On May 11, 2022, the U.S. Department of the Interior released Volume 1 of the investigative report as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. The report brings to light the traumatic and unsettling assimilation practices that were carried out as part of the federal Indian boarding school system throughout the United States over the span of nearly two centuries.
In this Dear Colleague letter, Administration for Children and Families (ACF) leadership recognize the impact is widespread and has had long term consequences on the well-being of children and families in American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. They also acknowledge the immense cross-generational resilience that defines these communities and the many Indigenous-led efforts to revive and preserve traditional practices and Native languages.
ACF provides funding for Native community-led early childhood programs and initiatives, including Head Start and Early Head Start, child care, and home visiting programs. These programs promote children’s learning and healthy development, support the well-being of parents and caregivers, address and prevent traumatic experiences, and integrate Native language and culture in ways that enhance learning and promote healing. The letter shares trauma-informed and early childhood-focused resources that may be helpful to providers, community members, tribal leaders, and families.
The Dear Colleague letter is shared on behalf of the Office of Early Childhood Development (ECD).