2025–27 State Budget Impacts on Early Learning
On May 20, 2025, Gov. Bob Ferguson signed into law the 2025–27 state operating budget that included challenging, responsive choices addressing the $16 billion deficit.
Though this approach includes service and program delays, reductions, and eliminations, Washington stays committed to goals set by the Fair Start for Kids Act (FSKA), to make child care and early learning more affordable for families, by including necessary new investments and revenue generation. Read more on the DCYF What's New Blog.
What Can a Tribal CWELN Do for You and the Families You Serve?
By Carla Lopez-Wilkerson, Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator
Navigating the child welfare system can be challenging—especially for families with young children. That’s where the Tribal Child Welfare Early Learning Navigator (CWELN) comes in. The Tribal CWELN provides culturally responsive, early learning-focused consultation and resource support to help caseworkers strengthen family-centered planning for families raising children ages birth to five.
Ways the Tribal CWELN Can Help
- Connected Across the State - As part of a statewide CWELN network, the Tribal CWELN brings regional expertise and cross-state resources to help identify culturally appropriate supports for families.
- Early Learning Consultation Across Case Types - Available for all case types (CPS, FAR, FVS, CFWS) when there is "Reason to Know" —whether a Tribe is known or not. The Tribal CWELN helps ensure WICWA and ICWA compliance and support for culturally relevant services.
- Perinatal and Early Parenting Supports - Access information about harm reduction doulas, SUD services, and first-time parenting programs for expecting parents.
- Plan of Safe Care Consultation - Help identifying appropriate supports and referrals for substance-affected families.
- Developmental Screening Referrals - Get connected to Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) for ages 0–3 and Child Find for ages 3+.
- Training & Coaching - Offer 1:1 FamLink referral training, infant/early childhood development refreshers, and unit meeting presentations. Also available to support new staff in reviewing and documenting early learning needs in case files.
How to Request Tribal CWELN Support
- Email: Send a brief case summary and intake # to Carla.Lopez-Wilkerson@dcyf.wa.gov
- Schedule a Consult: Send a calendar invite via Teams or message directly in Teams with your intake # to start a conversation.
- Invite to Meetings: Include Tribal CWELN in shared planning meetings, Safe Child Consults, LICWACs, or other staffing events.
Let’s build stronger support networks for Tribal families through early learning, cultural connection, and collaborative case planning. Reach out today—your Tribal CWELN is here to help.
Housing in Indian Country
July 17, 2025 | 10 a.m. PST | Virtual
Join Native Americans in Philanthropy for a very special conversation with Chief Seattle Club’s Executive Director, Derrick Belgarde; Native American Housing Circle’s Board Chair, Adrianne Maddux; NeighborWorks America’s Senior Director of Native Partnerships and Strategy, Mel Willie; and MASS Design Group’s Senior Designer, Garron Yepa as they explore the unique challenges urban and rural communities face and how philanthropy is uniquely positioned to uplift community driven solutions. Register by completing the Form.
Passing of Shelley Ethrington
Shared by Linda Stromberg-Lauch, Executive Director, American Indian Community Center
It is with great sadness that I share the news that our dear friend/sister Shelley Ethrington began her final journey this past Monday. Shelley began her career with the American Indian Community Center in the early 1980’s when she worked as the Foodbank Manager. Later she moved on and became a Chemical Dependency Professional. She came back to the Center in 2018 when she was hired as Clinical Director for Goodheart Behavioral Health. Shelley leaves behind a son, Matthew, Father, Skip, 5 brothers, Bill, Shawn, Christopher, Dwayne and Michael. She also leaves several nieces and nephews as well as many close friends.
Donations to help with funeral expenses can be sent to the American Indian Community Center at the address below:
American Indian Community Center
1025 West Indiana Avenue
Spokane, WA 99205
Protect your kids from accidental window falls and water hazards
As the weather is warming up, it’s important to pay attention to the potential dangers associated with open windows and open water (both outside and inside your house).
According to the following articles from Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalization for kids (most common between ages two to six), and drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages one to four.
Water hazards are everywhere
- Never leave young children alone in a bathtub, even for a moment. Do not use baby bath rings.
- If you have an infant or toddler, install toilet-lid latches. Empty buckets and bathtubs after each use—never leave them unattended.
- If you have a pool or hot tub, use multiple layers of protection
Read the full article for more tips.
Prevent your kids from accidental window falls
- Only open windows that are outside of a child’s reach or climbing distance.
- Limit window openings to four inches or less by adding a window stop, which can be purchased at a hardware store or online.
- Keep furniture away from windows to discourage little climbers.
- Plant grass or shrubbery beneath windows to soften the impact surface in case of a fall.
Read the full article to keep everyone safe this summer.
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Cherokee Nation Citizens At-Large Annual Meetings
The Community & Cultural Outreach program hosts annual meetings with all CCO participating at-large organizations where departments of the Cherokee Nation attend to provide information and community building to Cherokee Nation citizens living at-large. These meetings include providing at-large citizens with various services, cultural crafts, stories, and games, etc. Lunch is provided so that citizens, friends, and families in this area can commune together while partaking in the activities.
- Aug. 2, 2025 | Portland, OR
- Aug. 3, 2025 | Seattle, WA
For meeting details, visit cherokeesatlarge.org.
Native Culture Night | Native American Rising Generations Foundation
1st & 3rd Thursday of each month
ESD 112 in Vancouver, WA | 6-8 p.m.
These gatherings offer a welcoming space for families and youth to connect, share stories, and engage in various cultural activities. Every Cultural night begins with a communal potluck, where everyone brings a dish to share, creating a sense of unity and togetherness. Alongside the potluck, each Culture Night features guest speakers, workshops, and other educational activities designed to inspire and empower Native youth.
Visit Native American Rising Generations for information.
Upcoming Local Events
36th Annual Seafair Pow wow-Daybreak Star | Seattle, WA
July 18 – 20, 2025
Visit United Indians of All Tribes Foundation for information.
Washington state makes tribal warrants enforceable by state law enforcement agencies
"A new law takes effect today that will provide the legal framework for both state and tribal law enforcement agencies to certify tribal warrants as state warrants." Read the full press release.
Preliminary report into Indian boarding schools lays the groundwork for dismantling harmful policies
"The Attorney General’s Office (AGO), under the guidance and leadership of a Truth and Healing Tribal Advisory Committee, released a preliminary report on the history of Indian boarding schools in Washington, outlining next steps the committee and the AGO will undertake as they aim to help policymakers address the harmful legacies of these institutions." Read the full press release.
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