Little Nations Academic Center

Mission of Haskell Indian Nations University:
The mission of Haskell Indian Nations University is to build the leadership capacity of our students by serving as the leading institution of academic excellence, cultural and intellectual prominence, and holistic education that addresses the needs of Indigenous communities.

The Little Nations Academic Center supports this mission by providing developmentally appropriate childcare, early learning enrichment, and family-centered support services that help student-parents remain enrolled, persist academically, and graduate. Through safe learning environments, culturally aligned programming, and connections to campus wellness and auxiliary services, LNAC strengthens the holistic educational experience of Indigenous students and their families.

The Little Nations Academic Center is a key part of Haskell’s commitment to supporting student-parents, families, and wellness on campus. The Center integrates childcare, early learning support, and access to the student fitness center and auxiliary services.

What Little Nations provides:

• Safe, developmentally appropriate childcare environment
• Academic and early learning activities that support student success
• Connections to campus wellness resources and the student fitness center
• Supportive services that help student-parents persist and graduate

Programs & Services

The Little Nations Academic Center operates as part of Auxiliary Services to support student-parents, their children, and the broader Haskell community.

Little Nations provides a structured environment that emphasizes safety, nurturing care, and developmentally appropriate activities for children. Staff support early learning and social development while honoring cultural values and family connections.

• Supports student-parents balancing coursework and family responsibilities
• Uses age-appropriate learning materials and activities
• Integrates cultural identity and language where possible

Grand Opening – April 2026

Haskell Indian Nations University will celebrate the opening of the Little Nations Academic Center in April 2026. The event will recognize the collaboration across Academic Affairs, Student Services, and Auxiliary Services that made this student-focused space possible.

Event Highlights

• Welcome & Land Acknowledgment – Opening remarks and recognition of partners.
• Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony – Formal opening of the Little Nations Academic Center.
• Guided Tours – Walkthrough of childcare spaces, learning areas, and fitness connections.
• Program Overview – Staff describe services for student-parents and families.

Who Should Attend

The grand opening is open to the Haskell community and invited partners, including:

• Student-parents and families
• Students interested in campus wellness and support services
• Faculty and staff collaborators
• Community and Tribal partners supporting student success

Programs & Services

The Little Nations Academic Center operates as part of Auxiliary Services to support student-parents, their children, and the broader Haskell community.

Childcare & Early Learning

Little Nations provides a structured environment that emphasizes safety, nurturing care, and developmentally appropriate activities for children. Staff support early learning and social development while honoring cultural values and family connections.

• Supports student-parents balancing coursework and family responsibilities
• Uses age-appropriate learning materials and activities
• Integrates cultural identity and language where possible

Connection to Fitness & Student Services

As part of Auxiliary Services, the Little Nations Academic Center is closely connected to the student fitness center and other operational units that support student success.

• Coordination with the student fitness center for wellness-focused initiatives
• Referrals to campus student support services as needed
• Collaboration with Academic Affairs on student success programming

Enrollment & Payment Process for Haskell Student-Parents

Enrollment at the Little Nations Academic Center (LNAC) follows a structured process to ensure safety, eligibility, and accurate records for all children of enrolled Haskell student-parents.

1 Confirm Eligibility
LNAC serves children of Haskell Indian Nations University students (Tier 1) and, as capacity allows, HINU employees (Tier 2). Student-parents must be enrolled, in good academic standing, and the legal parent or guardian.

2 Gather Required Documents
Student-parents collect the documents required for admission, which include:

• LNAC Enrollment Application
• Proof of parent or legal guardian status
• Haskell student enrollment verification
• Child immunization records
• Emergency & medical information forms
• Parent/Guardian agreement

3 Submit Forms to Little Nations
Completed forms are submitted to the Little Nations Academic Center office (in-person or via the future online submission portal). LNAC staff review materials for completeness, eligibility, and space availability.

4 Waitlist & Placement (If Needed)
If classroom capacity has been reached, the child may be placed on a waitlist managed by LNAC. Priority is based on eligibility tiers and any documented hardship requests reviewed by the Little Nations Supervisor and the Vice President of University Operations.

5 Fees & Payment
For Haskell student-parents (Tier 1), daily childcare services at LNAC are provided without an hourly childcare charge once eligibility is verified. However, families may be responsible for standard LNAC fees such as a one-time registration fee and a per-semester , as approved through Auxiliary Services and published in the official LNAC Fee Schedule.

For Haskell employees (Tier 2), childcare is billed at the approved hourly rate and assessed according to the LNAC Fee Schedule. All childcare-related payments and fees for both students and employees are processed through the Haskell University Bursar’s Office. Employee accounts must remain current for children to continue in the program.

6 Final Enrollment & Start Date
Once placement is confirmed and required fees (if applicable) are paid, LNAC staff provide the family with the child’s start date, classroom assignment, daily schedule, and orientation information, including sign-in/sign-out procedures and health/safety expectations.

Enrollment Forms & Links
Haskell student-parents will be able to access LNAC enrollment, required health/safety forms, and the current LNAC Fee Schedule through official Haskell channels.

• LNAC Enrollment Application (Student-Parents)
• Emergency & Medical Information Form
• Parent/Guardian Agreement
• LNAC Fee Schedule & Payment Instructions

Fees & Rates
The Little Nations Academic Center is designed first to serve enrolled Haskell student-parents, while also supporting HINU employees as capacity allows. The fees below summarize the current approved structure from the LNAC policy.

Summary of LNAC Fees:

• Student-Parents (Tier 1): No hourly childcare charge for eligible Haskell student-parents once enrollment and eligibility are verified.
• Employees (Tier 2): Childcare is billed at the approved employee hourly rate of $15.00 per hour.
• Registration Fee: One-time $75 application/registration fee per child upon initial enrollment.
• Supply Fee: $50 per-semester supply fee per child to support classroom materials and consumable supplies.
• Late Pick-Up Fee: $25 per hour (or portion thereof) assessed when children are picked up after their scheduled pick-up time.
• Payment Processing: All LNAC fees and childcare-related payments are processed through the Haskell University Bursar’s Office. Employee accounts must remain current for continued enrollment of their children.

Information for Families & Student-Parents
Little Nations is designed to help student-parents stay enrolled, make progress, and complete their degrees while ensuring their children have a safe, supportive place to learn and grow.

Enrollment & Eligibility:

• Details about enrollment, eligibility, and priority criteria for childcare spaces will be provided through official Haskell communications and the Little Nations Academic Center office.
• Tier 1 priority is for enrolled Haskell students who are the legal parent or guardian
• Tier 2 is for Haskell faculty and staff.
• Standard hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–5:30 PM.
• Little Nations is closed on federal holidays, campus closures, and weather-related shutdowns.

Frequently Asked Questions
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