The Child Care Development Fund Program recently finished a major project with the opening of Gyohsa:' Early Childhood, but the new child development center is only part of what the program does. The Child Care Development Fund exists to help low-income Native American families with financial assistance for childcare, and the Tribe is also strongly committed to ensuring that childcare is high quality. To accomplish this, Child Care Development Fund staff visit the 50 or so childcare providers that receive funds across a four-state area. 

If problems are found, staff offer their expertise to help resolve them and, if funds are available, may help pay for safety-focused projects. Problems that can't be resolved quickly or are large in scale are referred to state agencies. The goal is to make sure children on the Seneca-Cayuga Nation subsidy program has safe, high-quality childcare available. 

Klarrissa Harris is the CCDF Assistant. She processes applications for childcare assistance, travels to inspect centers certified to provide care to Seneca-Cayuga Nation kids and teaches at Gyohsa:' Early Childhood when needed. 

Klarrissa started as a teacher's assistant and "loved being in the classroom and helping kids. I came to this job to help my Tribe and other families have access to quality childcare." She adds that "it is great knowing that I am able to help people in need." Klarrissa grew up in the area, graduated from Wyandotte, and has been involved in the Seneca-Cayuga Nation her whole life. 

Klarrissa is well quailed for her role. She is a member of National Indian Child Care Association, The National Association for the Education of Young Children, the National Child and Adult Care Food Program and The National Association for Family Child Care. She also makes sure to attend childcare conferences annually to remain current on state and federal regulations, best practices, and industry standards in early childhood education and care.   

Program Director Niki Logan says Klarrissa "shares my passion for the love of children and providing the best quality childcare for our CCDF families as well as our Early Childhood families". Klarrissa attributes that passion to growing up in a family that benefitedfrom Tribal childhood development programs. She knows firsthand the importance of children having a safe, loving place to learn, eat a good meal, and be cared for. 

If you're a member of a federally recognized Tribe and need childcare assistance, the Child Care Development Fund can help. Niki and Klarrissa can help you find a center nearby and walk you through the application process for funds. For more information visit sctribe.com/services/seneca-cayuga-nation-child-care-and-development-fund, call: (918) 791-6056, or email: kharris@sctribe.com.