Early Education Begins
with Strong Parents

Parents are their children's first
and most important teachers.

Targeted Early Investments Can Have Significant Impact

"The most meaningful, far-reaching efforts occurred with intensive, carefully designed, well-implemented programs that target infants and toddlers and include a strong focus on parents." -- American Enterprise Institute

"New industries consider locating in states that show a commitment to children in their early years."

Barry Kennedy, President, Nebraska Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Member, Nebraska Early Childhood Business Roundtable

The 104th Nebraska Legislature has adjourned sine die

Our printable session report summarizes legislation of greatest importance for the development and early learning of young children in Nebraska.

Quality Early Learning ...

keeps Nebraska

growing and strong.

Making Smart Investments

"The most expensive thing in early childhood is poor quality care with no return on investment." — Dr. Jack P. Shonkoff, Director of the Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, addressing Nebraska legislators, business leaders and school administrators. (Photo: Tom Kates)

Governor’s Roundtable

Governor Ricketts' new Nebraska Education and Workforce Roundtable convened this year to collaboratively identify issues and solutions impacting students' transitions from early childhood to workforce pipeline. We support his efforts with this initiative and will continue to be a resource on early childhood in Nebraska.

Improving Quality of Care

Children in 183 Nebraska child care programs are benefiting from their providers' participation in our state's quality improvement and rating system. More children now will enter kindergarten ready to learn, and that's good news for children, parents, providers and taxpayers.

“I believe we can achieve meaningful change that will allow both employees and businesses to grow our economy. We owe it to the American people to discover shared solutions that can lead to stronger families and communities.”

Deb Fischer
Nebraska U.S. Senator

"Access to quality early education programs from Omaha to Scottsbluff can help close Nebraska's achievement gap by placing at-risk children on a more level playing field when they enter kindergarten."

Senator Heath Mello
Legislative District 5

"Almost daily, a Chamber member expresses concern about their current or future workforce needs. We need to maximize the skills of every child in Nebraska to build a sufficient, skilled talent pool for the future."

K.C. Belitz
President, Columbus Chamber of Commerce

"We know that early, enriched environments maximize the interaction between biology and experience, and positively influence a child's developmental trajectory with lifelong consequences for health and well-being."

Dr. Cynthia Ellis
Omaha Pediatrician

Early Education Begins with Strong Parents

Parents are their children's first and most important teachers.