Interim study LR390 is underway to examine the fiscal and economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Nebraska’s early childhood workforce and early childhood care and education system. FFN and public and private partners are developing potential policy recommendations based on what was learned. Read More
FFN's Elizabeth Everett tesified at a legislative hearing for LR390 this week, along with experts from the Nebraska Early Childhood Workforce Commission, the state’s early childhood system, business and child care. Read More
Here's FFN's breakdown of how $20 million in federal funds resulting from passage of the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic will be used to stabilize and strengthen Nebraska's child care infrastructure and other school-based education services for children.
Read MoreEconomic development organizations are well positioned to help local businesses remain viable during the COVID-19 emergency. Here's why it's important for child care to be included in those efforts. Read More
It's becoming increasingly important that Nebraska stakeholders have access to early care and education data to help make decisions about how best to prepare our young children for success. FFN Policy Research Analyst Ben Baumfalk and the Early Childhood Data Coalition are working to develop an integrated data system that will collect and maintain information from various early childhood programs and services. Read More
FFN Director Becky Veak is serving on a Buffett Early Childhood Institute commission to develop a comprehensive plan for expanding and strengthening Nebraska's early childhood workforce. The group includes leaders from state government, higher education, public schools, child care, health care, advocacy, philanthropy, practitioners and the business community. Read More
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute recently hosted more than 120 people from higher education, the Nebraska departments of Education and Health and Human Services and other agencies and national consultants to discuss strategies to ensure that all Nebraska children at risk are served by high-quality early childhood educators. Read More
Part 3: I am particularly excited about the possibilities that exist for schools and communities in providing high-quality services to families with young children. In our school, in our communities and as a state I see three areas where we have tremendous opportunities to improve. Read More
Part 2: As an educator and as a Nebraskan, I'm excited about the development of the Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska. I'm motivated by the Institute’s vision to “make Nebraska the best place in the nation to be a baby.” I want my community to be a part of that vision. Read More
The Buffett Early Childhood Institute is an innovative, multidisciplinary research, practice, and policy institute of the four University of Nebraska campuses. Our mission is to ensure that all children, birth to age 8, especially those who are vulnerable because of poverty, abuse, or developmental, learning, or behavioral challenges, have the opportunity to reach their potential. Read More