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 communities to elevate teacher quality and offer childcare to TCU students. The American Indian College Fund's goal is to ensure that all Native children reach their greatest potential by supporting comprehensive, TCU-directed early childhood education programs. ELCs provide a strong introduction to education for Native early learners and have created an attitude of love for learning that is designed to instill a desire in children to follow their parents' example and one day become college students, contributing to and creating more thriving Native communities.