A grant to develop a model child care licensing code for Indian reservations gave Southwest Educational Development Laboratory a chance to determine whether realistic licensing standards were possible for reservation child care programs. Beginning in 1976, a task force composed of 14 federal and tribal representatives drafted licensing standards for centers providing early childhood day care. The standards, which contained both training and site operation codes, were tested at an Office of Indian Education meeting and on existing reservation buildings and programs. The training segment received generally positive responses, but the site testing was unsuccessful due to tribal schedules and test cost underestimation. The greatest problems with the grant project arose from staff turnovers, the question of Indian involvement in standards development, and the difficulty of presenting licensing standards to tribal officials. Recommendations included fully testing the standards, developing comparable standards for infant and home-based care, and educating tribal officials about licensing. The proposed standards covered the basic items necessary for the safety and protection of children, day care operations, and staff. Areas to be regulated included: basic program administration, health requirements, building and vehicle regulations, safety and sanitation, staff and training requirements, and education. (SB)