Tribal Child Care Licensing assists with certification for payment only (CFPO) processes for Tribal Nations and compliance to ensure Tribal child care providers meet health, safety, and quality standards to receive Working Connections Child Care subsidy.
The Tribal Child Care Licensing Consultant reports to the Tribal Early Learning Liaison. This position works in partnership with Tribal Nations, DCYF Child Care Licensing, Licensing Division Child Protective Services (LD/CPS), and many other state programs/agencies to ensure Tribal Nations have access to child care options that meet the needs of their children, families, and communities. This includes collaborating, understanding Tribal and State licensing rules, sharing information, respecting, and promoting Tribal sovereignty and culture, and offering training and technical assistance.
Tribal Early Learning Program Types
Below are the different types of DCYF programs. These categories are state terms only and may or may not match Tribal programs. This information is meant to help Tribes navigate DCYF systems for grants, funding, and other processes. Tribal leadership and authority stay the same no matter what the program type is.
| Program Type (State Term) | What is Means | How it Fits Tribal Program |
| Licensed | Program regulated by DCYF under state law; must follow all state licensing rules and monitoring. | Usually applies when a Tribal program is off reservation land, where state authority applies. |
| Certified | Program on Tribal land that is exempt from state licensing but chooses certification, agreeing to follow the same rules as licensed programs. | Certified and licensed programs are treated the same under state licensing. |
| Certification for Payment Only (CFPO) | DCYF certifies the Tribe—not individual providers—so the Tribe can request Working Connections Child Care subsidy for its providers. The Tribe licenses and oversees its own providers; DCYF only processes payments. | Reflects a government-to-government agreement. The Tribe regulates its providers; DCYF only handles subsidy. |
| License-Exempt | No DCYF license required. Includes Family, Friend, and Neighbor care and some community early learning programs. | Common in Tribal communities, especially for relatives caring for children with Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF) support or in Tribal Play & Learn groups. |
If you have questions about your program type or need additional guidance, please contact Mindy Flett, Tribal Child Care Licensing Specialist, at mindy.flett@dcyf.wa.gov.
Resources
Become a Licensed Child Care & Early Learning Provider
Become a Family, friend, and neighbor (FFN) provider
Apply for Child Care Certification for Payment Only (CFPO)
Operate a Child Nutrition Program
Indigenous Food Sovereignty
