CCDF- The Child Care Development Fund is a federally funded program dedicated to increasing the availability and quality of child care for Native American children. Funding is available for qualified families with children under the age of 13 years who are working, or attending an educational or training program. Childcare and/ or respite care is available for foster children or those in need of protective services.

The CCDF Program provides each parent/guardian with involvement and decision-making by giving them ultimate decision regarding care for their child. The parent has the choice of receiving the following types of care;

• Tribally Operated Center
  • CCDF Infant-Toddler Center
  • MELA- wraparound childcare services
• Tribally Certified Family Home
• Tribally Certified Center
• State Licensed Childcare Center
• State Licensed Family Home
• In-Home Care Provider
• Relative Care Provider

State licensed providers must follow federal and state standards for providing care. Tribally operated, certified, in-home and relative care providers must follow tribal standards established by the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe. Services for providers include health and background screening, in-home safety check, home visits, childcare training and activities for children in their care. The program offers trainings that focus on health and safety, child development, child abuse prevention and reporting, and first aid/CPR/ blood borne pathogens, childcare business management. The CCDF Program provides opportunities for professional development and networking with other child care providers within the community.

The program can assist providers with meeting federal, state, or tribal requirements with purchasing toys, activities, and materials that are safe and age appropriate for the various developmental stages of the children in the provider’s care. Other resources available are smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and other health and safety items to ensure that we provide the healthiest and safest environment for our children.

Family Eligibility Requirements:

• Child needing care must be an Indian Child; enrolled member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe between the ages of 3 weeks through 12 years of age. An Indian Child with a developmental delay or disability that limits ability to care for self may qualify for child care services up to 18 years of age with documentation from a qualified professional.
• Child resides within a 30-mile radius from the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s administration offices (chimney stack). For overlapping service area, the applicant may be referred to primary CCDF service provider if residing in their primary service area and determined eligible for their program.
  • Puyallup CCDF: child is an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe and resides in Pierce County, Thurston County, or Federal Way of Washington State.
  • Snoqualmie CCDF: child is an enrolled member or descendant of a federally recognized tribe and resides in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap or Island Counties of Washington State. For King County Snoqualmie serves cities North of Interstate 90.
• Child resides with a parent or parents who are participating in an approved activity; work, school, job training, drug/ alcohol treatment program or child is identified in the protective services category;
  • Child has a developmental delay, disability or medical diagnosis that requires a high level of care, or
  • Child is placed outside of the home by Muckleshoot Child, Family Services (MCFS), State Indian Child Welfare Program or Child Protective Services.
• Child resides with a family whose assets are less than $1,000,000.

In-Home Care Provider Eligibility Requirements:

• Must submit CCDF Home Care Provider Application
• Must be 18 years of age
• Pass a criminal background check (including fingerprint background check)
• Pass a urinalysis screening
• Pass a tuberculosis screening
• Be certified in pediatric first aid and CPR with in-person training from American Red Cross, American Heart Association, American Safety & Health Institute (relative providers must obtain within 30 days of providing care)
• Complete a home health & safety visit (relative providers are exempt from this requirement)
• Complete health & safety training online courses within 90 days of providing care (relative providers are exempt from this requirement)
• Must reside and provide services on the Muckleshoot Reservation or be providing care for only one family

Providers off the Muckleshoot Reservation must meet the requirements above or be state licensed with the Department of Children, Youth and Family Services.

If you are interested in applying for childcare assistance or would like to become a provider, please contact the CCDF Program at (253) 876-3032.

CCDF Program Manager

15532 SE 376^th St,

Auburn, WA  98092