July 4, 2020

Nurturing the Wakanyeja: Early Learning Centers at Tribal Colleges

Author: Cheryl LaRose and Hannah Gonzales

College students with young children are dependent upon childcare for their academic success. Fortunately for students attending a tribal college or university (TCU), early learning centers (ELCs) provide more than just childcare. They offer an education centered on Indigenous values and knowledge, which not only helps the parent succeed academically but also sets the stage for their children’s future academic success.
Affiliations with ELCs began as a response to the needs of local tribal commu