Tribal TANF OVCDC's Tribal TANF Programs focus on four purposes:
Cash Aid Program and Key Elements Eligibility limited to families Time Limits - 60 months in a lifetime limit for employable adults Program focuses on work, self-sufficiency and personal responsibility Member or Descendent of a Federally recognized tribe or California Indian Judgment rolls Cash Aid Eligibility Requirements: Income – Equal to or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty level. Resources – Countable resources not to exceed $2,000.00 Adults able to work, must satisfactorily participate in approved work activities for a minimum 24 hours per week. Approved Work Activities include, but not limited to:
Services Provided Cash assistance. Referrals to employment, education and training providers. Supportive Services – Child Care, transportation, other. Incentive Payments - Clothing allowances for school children attending school, payments upon successful completion of activities, other. Prevention Program. Coordination and/or funding for services/activities for families and children who are at risk of being on public assistance focusing on traditional culture, art, education, culture, recreation, music and sport. Eligibility Criteria
Completion funding request/proposal forms 90 days in advance of service activity. Service activity must meet TANF purposes. Service activity must include a Native American cultural component. |
OVCDC TANF Overview California TANF Map TANF Fact Sheet |
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Language Revitalization
OVCDC's Language Programs aim to revitalize native languages through documentation and classroom instruction. By producing curriculum, literary materials, movies, and audio tapes, the Language Program has found varied ways of getting the documented languages out into the communities. Aside from producing educational materials, the Language Program has been training teachers that go out into the schools and teach the children their language, as well as holding adult classes at night.
Family Literacy
Family Literacy sites are located in OVCDC’s Tribal TANF Program buildings in Bakersfield, Porterville, Visalia, Bishop and Fresno. We provide services to Native families enrolled in our community Tribal TANF programs, TANF Prevention Programs, and the general Native American population.
The Family Literacy Program is designed to promote educational growth for the entire family. The focuses of the program are the four components of the family literacy Keenan Model; early childhood education, Family Unity Nights (F.U.N), Adult Education, and Parenting Education. Plus, we address the importance of Family Formation.
Early Childhood Enrichment
“My children have been attending Family Literacy classes for two years and it has had impacted them in such a positive way. My oldest daughter is in kindergarten and is at the top of her class.Parent and child involvement are required in our ‘Early Childhood Enrichment’ classes. The enrichment classes are packed with opportunities to learn about science, math, language, art, dance, music, and Native culture. What other learning experiences do we provide? Well, to spark a love of learning in our children our families enjoy fun educational fieldtrips, examples; visiting an apple orchard, a pumpkin patch, learning dance and movement at a gym, touring children’s museums, and more.
Our ECE Enrichment classes also offer
- Monthly age appropriate child development information
Weekly Native language instruction - Nutrition workshops
- Two sites include educational/parenting home visits as a part of their program.
Family Unity Nights (FUN)
Family Unity Nights (F.U.N) begins with a scrumptious dinner. Then the evening immediately transitions to fun sensory literacy activities to reinforce the concept that learning can be fun! Drawings are peppered through the evening.
Examples of Adult Education
- GED preparation
- Computer Literacy
- Cultural workshops
- Assistance in completing college/vocational school applications
- FAFSA workshops
- Life Building Workshops (budgets, building healthy relationships etc.)
- Resume building assistance.
Parenting Education
As parents, we all understand the value of learning more about parenting techniques to help us raise physically and emotionally healthy children. Parenting workshops also reinforce the belief that “Parents are a child’s first teacher” and they help us to learn how to guide our children through their educational journey.
We use:
- Positive Indian Parenting curriculum
- Alaskan Native Family Feathers videos and curriculum
- Parents as Effective Teachers curriculum
Family Formation
Our program is designed to strengthen the bonds of family relationships through activities and events that promote quality family time. These activities assist our families to treasure learning together, communicating as a team, and sharing new experiences with one another. Come join us on our next venture.
Career Education
The Career Education Program, funded by the Native American Career and Technical Education Program, works in partnership with Cerro Coso Community College in offering support to Native American students in six academic departments, leading to certificates awarded by Cerro Coso Community College.
Qualification for our program is limited to adult students who:
- live in Inyo or Mono County, and
- have a high school diploma, or have passed the GED or CHSPE, and
- can provide proof of Native American tribal membership, or
- live in a Native American household, or
- work for a Native American organization.
We support the educational efforts of students in preparation for entry into one of our supported certificate programs, and for continuation to an A.A .or A.S. degree beyond the completion of the certificate program.
Because Cerro Coso Community College currently offers many of their classes on-line, we assist students in the preparation for becoming on-line students, and provide access to computers (in Bishop, Bridgeport, and Big Pine), with scheduled hours by a facilitator (in Bishop and Big Pine), for students who do not have computers at home. In addition, some of the Cerro Coso computer classes for the Bishop campus are held in the Computer Lab at the OVCDC complex on the Bishop Paiute Reservation.
We offer Career Counseling and Assessment Testing to help students in formulating their educational goals. Students who have earned their certificates have the assistance of our Job Placement Coordinator in making a job search plan and finding work.
Other program services include tuition, books, fees, FAFSA assistance, and supportive services for qualifying individuals.
The six strands of education specifically supported by a grant from the Native American Career and Technical Education Program (N.A.C.T.E.P.) are:
Business Office Technology
· Office Clerk Award
(12 units) Prepares the learner to perform basic competencies as an entry level office clerk whether or not the individual has previous office experience.
· Office Assistant Certificate
(18 units) Prepares the learner with the range of skills necessary to perform the duties of an entry level administrative assistant in today’s technological office. Learners master skills in communication, bookkeeping, and an essential selection of intermediate computer applications for business.
· Business Office Technology Certificate
(30 units) Awarded to students who complete the 30 required units in the major for the A.S. degree.
· A.S. in Business Office Technology
(60 units total, 30 units in the major) Prepares learners for employment in challenging positions as administrative assistants with excellent communications and computer skills for business in today’s technologically dynamic office.
Business Management
· Certificate in Business Administration
Designed to develop skills for immediate employment in an increasingly challenging business environment. This major is intended to provide a student with a broad preparation for a career in business.
· Certificate in Business Management
(32 units) Designed to provide the learner with key management skills in a technological business environment.
· A.A. in Business Administration
(60 units total, 21 units in the major) Prepares students for transfer at the junior level to colleges and universities offering Bachelor’s degrees in business.
· A.S. in Business Management
(60 units total, 32 units in the major) Designed to provide the graduate with key management skills in a technological business environment as well as providing students with the foundation to transfer to a four-year college.
Early Childhood Education
Designed for students interested in infant, toddler, pre-school or school-age education. The California Child Development Permit Matrix requirements are reflected in our program, allowing students to qualify for the permits required for teaching in programs governed by Title V and funded by contracts with the State of California. Permits are issued by the State Department of Education, California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and include:
- Assistant Teacher Award
- Associate Teacher Award
- Teacher Award
- Master Teachers Permit
- Site Supervisor Permit
- A.S. Child Development
Health Careers
· Certified Nursing Assistant
A Certified Nursing Assistant completes a curriculum that has been accredited by the State of California and then must pass both a written and practical exam given by a State agency. The CNA course is offered over a 9-week period. CNAs have excellent employment opportunities in long-term care facilities. Some CNAs are also employed by acute-care facilities.
· Home Health Aide
A Home Health Aide also completes a curriculum that has been accredited by the State of California. The HHA component is offered over two weeks after successful completion of the CNA program.
· Licensed Vocational Nurse
A 3-semester program designed to assist students in preparation for the mandated licensing exam (NCLEX-PN)
Human Services
· The Human Services Worker Certificate
(26 units) Seven required classes and two electives prepare the graduate for work in a variety of settings including group homes, shelters, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics, agencies dealing with drug and alcohol abuse.
· A.S. Degree in Human Services
(60 units total, 26 in the major, in addition to the general education requirements and electives) Prepares graduates for a broad career track which can include a career in helping children, families, the elderly, the homeless, and victims of mental illness or substance abuse.
Industrial Technology
· Industrial Technology Certificate
Completion of 18 units gives the student skills to enter the industrial environment as an entry level employee.
· Wind Technician Certificate
Completion of 12 units of required courses gives the student entry level skills in the field of wind technology.
· Solar Technician Certificate
Completion of 12 units of required courses gives the student entry level skills in the field of solar technology.
· AS in Industrial Technology
(60 unit total, 30-36 units in the major) Designed to prepare students to enter the industrial setting in the areas of renewable energy (wind/solar), engineering technology, or electronics. Students must complete the 18 unit Industrial Technology certificate, one 12-18 unit emphasis areas plus completion of all units required for the AS Degree. Employment in aerospace, mining, manufacturing, and renewable energy is projected to increase dramatically over the next several years utilizing cutting edge technologies.
The staff of the Career Education Program includes:
Gina Jones, Director
Loni Voss, Administrative Assistant
Joanie Hanson, Career Counselor
Kathy Anderson, Job Placement Coordinator
Our office is located at the Owens Valley Career Development Center:
2574 Diaz Lane
Bishop, CA 93514
Phone: 760-873-6547
Fax: 760-872-3681
Other helpful links:
Cerro Coso Community College homepage:
Free Application for Federal Student Aid:
Bishop Paiute Tribe:
Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation
NACTEP Annual Evaluations
First Annual Evaluation Owens Valley 2008
Second Annual Evauation Owens Valley 2009
Caution: Not all information on all websites may be up-to-date. Students planning a course of study are advised to contact an advisor at the Career Education Program or at Cerro Coso Community College to develop their educational plan.
Big Pine Daycare
OVCDC's Child Care Center offers a foundational service for the communities in the Eastern Sierra, providing an educational environment for children to be welcomed into while their parents are at work.
The purpose of OVCDC Childcare Center is to provide an enriching atmosphere that allows children to grow and learn in a safe, healthy, loving and culturally rich environment.
The OVCDC Child Care Center is located on the Big Pine Reservation at 1050 So. Richards Street. Adjacent to the Alan Spoonhunter Memorial Gymnasium.
Our Center offers child care Monday through Friday,
7:30 AM-5:30 PM for 28 children.
| Rates | Full Time (+4 hours) | Part Time (4 hours or less) |
| 0-2 Years | $34.19 | $17.00 |
| 3-5 Years | $25.56 | $12.78 |
| 6 + Years | $26.15 | $13.00 |
Daily Schedule
- 7:30 AM Center Opens Greet Parents & Children
- 8-9:00 Breakfast
- 9-9:30 Open Center/Free Play
- 9:30-10:00 Circle Time
- 10-10:30 Arts & Crafts
- 10:30-11:00 Outside Play
- 11:00 Lunch
- 11:30-12:30 Outside Play
- 12:30 Nap Time
- 3:00 Snack Time
- 3-3:30 After-school Students Homework time
- 3:30-5:30 Free Choice Time/Departures
- 5:30 Center Closes
The Food Program
The Center takes part in the Child Care Food Program administered by the State Department of Education. All children enrolled are provided with breakfast, lunch and a snack free of cost. Quality, nutritious, healthful food is prepared on site. Each family is required to fill out the child care food program application at the time of enrollment and once a year there after.
Field Trips
We like to think of our field trips as exposure to the world around them. We go hiking on the local trails, nature walks in the neighborhood, visit farms, museums, explore ponds & streams, swimming, parks and the library.
Curriculum
For our Pre-school class we use a curriculum for Pre-K called Butterflies from HighReachLearning. Some of the Themes throughout the year are:
- All about Me;
- All about the Forest;
- All about things that Go;
- All about the Arts;
- All about Amazing Animals;
- All about Nature;
- All about the Sand & Sea etc..
Paiute Language
In addition to all the different topics in the curriculum,
our program has Jamie Meredith. Jamie Meredith is our Paiute language instructor. She comes to the program Tues–Thurs. Jamie inserts the Paiute language into our lessons (Blue/Puhibonogiti). As well as teach a more intense total physical response lesson to the children and staff.
Please feel free to come by, check out our program & pick up an application. We have a lot of fun activities planned for the summer. Ask about transportation we may be able to help. We have limited seating.
Kern Indian Education Center
The Kern Indian Education Center is co-located within the Bakersfield Tribal TANF office in Bakersfield, California. The Kern Indian Education Centers’ staff is dedicated to addressing the education and prevention related needs of the local community’s Native American population. Our focus is on providing academic & cultural enrichment through our youth, family, and community services, activities, and annual events.
The Education Center’s services consist of four main components:
- Tutorial Services
- Family/Student Advocacy
- Higher Education Resources
- Community Services and Referrals
Through these components some of the Education Center’s goals include:
- Improving the academic achievement of Native American students.
- Providing parents a forum for discussing concerns affecting their children’s education.
- Maintaining a positive relationship between the academic community at district, school, and teacher levels.
- Promoting wellness and traditional knowledge through the Native Girls Group and Native Youth Group.
- Providing a place where academic & cultural education, support, and encouragement is accessible to all Native American families who are in need.