Tribal Certification Process

Child care facilities on a federally recognized Indian reservation can receive state child care subsidy payment for eligible children in one of two ways:

  1. The facility is certified by the state as meeting state licensing requirements.
    Click to learn about the state licensing process.
  2. The facility is licensed/certified by the tribe and certified by the state for payment based on tribal self-licensing and having an approved federal child care plan.

For option 2, the tribe would send a letter to the DEL Director requesting state certification for payment and provide a copy of the tribal licensing standards.
Letter Template from Tribe requesting Certification for Payment Only
Letter Template from Tribe requesting Certification for Payment Only

The benefits of certification include:

  • DEL technical assistance
  • DEL monitors compliance with standards
  • DEL helps assess complaints
  • Tribal facility can receive child care subsidy payments through DSHS

The following letter also explains the tribal certification process: Certification Process letter to Tribes in November 2008.

For more information on the tribal certification process, please contact Marci Hixson at 360.725.4421 or marci.hixson@del.wa.gov, or contact your nearest DEL office.